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Lot description
Gaston Bussière (French, 1862-1929) Les Iris signed and dated 'Gaston Bussière / 1897' (lower left)oil on canvas39 1/2 x 29in (100.33 x 73.66cm) Provenance: Private collection, Virginia;Thence by descent to the present owner.ExhibitedParis, Salon des artistes français, 1898, no. 348.Literature: Emile Bussière, La vie et l'oeuvre de Gaston Bussière : peintre, illustrateur, graveur, Paris, 1932, page 160.Gaston Bussière studied at the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Lyon as well as the Ecole des beaux-arts in Paris where he cultivated his skill. Over the course of his career, he became recognized for his skills as a painter, as well as an illustrator, working alongside numerous authors of the period. The majority of Bussière's works are considered symbolist in nature. He was also heavily influenced by the theatre, including works by William Shakespeare and Wagner. Subjects include an assortment of beautifully rendered figures with strong allegorical references.Les Iris is a beautiful example of Bussière's work, both in palette, subject, and composition. The two nude nymphs in the foreground are accompanied by another nymph swimming peacefully in the water, while a few figures congregate on the other shore. Both of the main figures have beautifully rendered golden hair and opalescent skin. Their heads are adorned with crowns of richly painted irises, which also surround their bodies and cast soft reflections in the water. Like many of Bussière's works, the treatment of the light reflection on the hair and skin, in contrast to the vibrant palette, renders the figures almost otherworldly. These subjects appear innocent yet playful, their hands intertwined, cradling one another as they gaze out at the viewer, engaging and drawing him in.