by Nicolas Bousser
Jean Dunand (1877-1942), Trois léopards s’abreuvant (Three Leopards Drinking), c. 1930, panel in brown and blue lacquer on a plain gold leaf background, original frame in fawn lacquer, 78 x 166 cm/30.7 x 65.4 in (87 x 175 cm/34.3 x 68.9 in with frame). Estimate: €60,000/80,000
Three leopards are drinking from a stream. The one on the left seems concerned with something happening beyond the scene. Perhaps it has spotted a likely prey or is thinking about the quiet moment ahead of it. Specially created by Jean Dunand for a family who has jealously kept it ever since, displayed next to works by Paul Jouve and other animal painters, this lacquer panel is now facing the auction room for the first time. In this piece, probably dating from c. 1930, the designer yet again illustrates the full extent of his technical mastery and storytelling talents. After meeting Japanese master lacquerer Seizo Sugawara in 1912, Dunand patiently and meticulously developed his expertise. The bodies of the big cats, which glow against a plain gold leaf background, are treated in brown and blue lacquers.
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