'The Bathers' by Louis Robert Arthur Latapie (Circa 1920s)

'The Bathers', oil on canvas (circa 1920s), by Louis Robert Arthur Latapie (1891 - 1972). From a long line of renowned paintings whose subject is a portrait of bathers, this extraordinarily desirable work by French artist Latapie is seductive and alluring. A woman sunbathes in the luscious Mediterranean garden of her family's waterfront villa. She sits in repose while the au pair behind her feeds grapes to the young child, preferring the shade of the trees to the direct sun. This splendid work of art warmly depicts an altogether tranquil setting nostalgically reminiscent of that era in the south of France. Although later in Latapie's career he embraced cubism and abstraction, this is a rare artwork from his earlier, rather neoclassical style. The piece is in excellent vintage condition. The original hand-carved frame is in itself a work of art. Signed: 'Latapie'.

Note: On the rear structure and canvas (see associated photos) are annotations hinting at this painting's fascinating past. 'Propiétaire Alexander Robinson 235 Fg. St. Honoré Paris' (may very likely refer to American artist Alexander Robinson who also studied at the Academie Julian in the early 20th century in Paris near the time Latapie attended). Also written: 'Salon d'Automne Paris'. This indicates the painting was entered into that exhibition most likely in 1936 or 1937 according to remaining records of his works.

About the Artist: Louis Latapie (1891 - 1972) was a highly celebrated artist who enjoyed an international reputation which continues today. During his long career he exhibited regularly at the major Paris Salons, including the Salon des Indépendants, the Salon d’Automne and the Salon des Tuileries. He had numerous individual and group exhibitions including Art et Résistance Musée d’Art Moderne, Paris in 1946. On his death in 1971, he was honoured, like Braque and Picasso, with a major retrospective at the Palais des Papes in Avignon. Further comprehensive retrospectives of his work were held in 1988 at the Musée Rapin and the Musée des Augustins.

Appearing in numerous exhibitions and sold in the major auction houses, his works can be found today in the collections of museums worldwide including the Musée National d’Art Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, (Paris); Musée d’Art Moderne, (Paris); Musée d’Art Moderne (Geneva); and the city museums of Toulouse, Avignon and Poitiers. 

Dimensions with frame:

H  80 cm

W  69 cm

Dimensions without frame:

H  50 cm

W  61 cm