113. Lila in Blue [1925-1930]

The photos of the lot are informative and indicative, and cannot provide a highly detailed view of the object from all angles. We recommend a careful physical inspection of the lot before bidding.

113. Lila in Blue [1925-1930]

Francisc Şirato

1877, Craiova - 1953, Bucureşti

Estimate:

EUR 12.000 - 18.000

Not sold

References

DRĂGUȚ, Vasile, "Fr. Șirato", State Publishing House for Literature and Art, Bucharest, 1956. ISPIR, Mihai, "Șirato", Meridiane Publishing House, Bucharest, 1979.

oil on cardboard, 53.5 x 44.5 cm, 53,5 Ã 44,5 cm, signed bottom left, in brown, "Șirato"

His beginnings are intertwined with impressionism, but the artist considers that this movement limits him too much to the passive-decorative function of the canvas. The sources of his inspiration can be easily identified in the Romanian traditional art and in the imitative vision of Cézanne. From the latter, the artist took over the concern for balance and compositional organization, while Romanian traditional art served as a reference for the fascinating science of colour. The year 1918 found Șirato in the editorial staff of "Sburătorul" ("The Flier"), where he published articles dedicated to criticism and visual arts chronicles. For Șirato, perspective meant more than the technique. Thus, he will use the line as a means of expressing volumes through light games. He builds predominantly from light and colour and subjects the line duct to a secondary plane, achieved through contrasts. He used vibrant chromatic alternations, to which he assigned oscillations of light and shadow. He thus remained, an illustrator of his own theoretical researches. The researches and thoughts in his criticism and reviews were successively translated into works of art. In this work we can distinguish the features of a female character that is recurrent in Șirato's work: his niece, Lila Nădejde. The artist created an entire thematic cycle that revolves around this character, spanning over a decade. His favourite model, Lila, is revealed in grey tones and variations on white themes in an iconography designed for interiors. The portrait is prefigured in Şirato’s creation as a reason for the synthesis of an entire psychology. The first works dedicated to the motif date back to 1926-1927, and they capture Lila while reading, browsing albums, working, or contemplating in the familiar space of the home. Thus, the artist returns to the same subject, but adapts his palette according to the needs of the model and the represented space. This time, Lila’s gaze is no longer hidden by the album covers, nor is she immersed in other activities, but it is directed directly at the viewer. The blue colour of the dress is intensified by the contrast with the peach-coloured wall; in the end, the work becomes representative for the period of great pictorial compositions. The flower pot in brown shades is a recurring element in his creations, holding the green plants, which contribute to the enhancement of the family setting. Şirato once again enhances the value of light and masterfully restores the shadows and warmth of the home, in the manner specific to the period 1924-1934, dedicated to the synthesis of form, colour, and light. (D.C.)

For clarifications regarding the bidding procedure, hammer price costs, guarantee, payment, and collection terms for the winning lot, we recommend carefully reading/re-reading the Bidding Regulations.

For additional information regarding the lot and the auction, please contact the Art Consultants Department.