The Complete Works of Philippe Smit
by Andreas Narzt and Florence Castellani
Catalogue entry
PS 435
Interior of the Studio
c.1935
Pastel on cardboard
19 1/8 x 19 1/8 in. (48 x 48 cm) (sight size)
Signed with intertwined initials lower right: PhS
Private collection, France
Inventories
Inv. Leteneur, n.d. [1977], n.p., s.n., private archives: no. [05], p. [1], salon: Smit Philippe - 'Intérieur de l'atelier du peintre'/ Pastel monogrammé en bas à droite, 49 x 49 [cm].
Provenance
Exhibitions
No known exhibitions.
Literature & Primary Sources
No known published references.
Notes
The studio at Chateau de la Motte in Thoury-Ferrottes with the artist's father seated in an armchair. At his left a statue of a female saint, Catalonia 12th century, which is today in the collection of the Cluny Museum, Paris, and above the arch The Innocent [PS 207] now owned by the Springfield Museums.
In 1929 Philippe Smit took possession of this studio, of which René Massé gives us a detailed description: "[…] Arrival at Château La Motte. … Then the big surprise of the studio: huge room, large bay window with two very large crimson velvet curtains - the polished oak paneled ceiling - the squared beams of the 2nd room, the fireplace with columns surmounted by Romanesque capitals. The third room with tiny Dutch windows, the remarkable small Tanagra, the head of a woman (Greek art), the wooden statue of a saint of the 9th century, we feel the arrival of Romanesque art, a very beautiful female bust. […]"1 (See also Chronology 1929)
In 1929 Philippe Smit took possession of this studio, of which René Massé gives us a detailed description: "[…] Arrival at Château La Motte. … Then the big surprise of the studio: huge room, large bay window with two very large crimson velvet curtains - the polished oak paneled ceiling - the squared beams of the 2nd room, the fireplace with columns surmounted by Romanesque capitals. The third room with tiny Dutch windows, the remarkable small Tanagra, the head of a woman (Greek art), the wooden statue of a saint of the 9th century, we feel the arrival of Romanesque art, a very beautiful female bust. […]"1 (See also Chronology 1929)
1. "[…] Arrivée au Château de 'la Motte' […] la grande surprise de l’atelier./ Enorme salle, grande baie vitrée aux deux très grands/ rideaux en velours cramoisi – le plafond à pans à chêne/ ciré – les poutres équarries de la 2e salle, la cheminée/ aux colonnes surmontés de chapiteaux romans./ La troisième petite pièce aux minuscules fenêtres hollandaises/ la remarquable petite Tanagra./ La tête de femme (Art grec)/ La statue en bois d’un Saint du 9e siècle, on sent venir/ l’art Roman./ Un buste de femme très beau. […]" (Massé 1920-1935, 10 November 1929, p. [9 & 10]).
Additional images
The painting Forest in Autumn hanging above the diwan in the studio in Thoury-Ferrottes, Philippe Smit seated in the armchair in front of the window (old photograph, private archives, Paris).
The studio in Thoury-Ferrottes, above the arch The Innocent [PS 207], to the left of the small window the large painting of Autumn Forest [PS 309] and a little still-life [PS 431], above the small window the Calvaire [PS 137] and above the fireplace La Fête [PS 198] (old photograph, private archives, Paris).
The painting Summer Night hanging above the spanish trunk in the big hall of the studio in Thoury-Ferrottes (old photograph, private archives, Paris).
Record last updated March 31, 2020. Please note that the information on this and all pages is periodically reviewed and subject to change.
Citation: Narzt, Andreas and Castellani, Florence. "Interior of the Studio, c.1935 (PS 435)." The Complete Works of Philippe Smit. http://www.philippesmit.com/cr/catalogue/entry.php?id=435 (accessed on June 8, 2023).