Presumed Portrait of Countess de Castiglione by Degas, Discovered in Italy
A major discovery that adds to our knowledge of Degas' Italian period. This important painting created in 1859 was previously unpublished.
The result of two years of historical, technical and scientific research, this Presumed Portrait of Countess de Castiglione, a secret agent in service of Cavour, was sent to France to seduce Napoleon III in order to rally France to the cause of Italian unity. The identification of the subject is based on physical and psychological analyses and on numerous photographs by Pierson, her personal photographer, as well as Napoleon III's. A personal, intimate and diplomatic story that resurfaces with this new work by Degas.
In Praise of Makeup, pastel and gouache highlights
This pastel and gouache highlights executed around 1879 is a variation of the monotype "Le Client sérieux" at the National Gallery of Canada. The work was acquired by Catalan collector Julian Bastinos during his stay in Paris between 1872 and 1900, and experienced a turbulent history: confiscated by the Spanish State in 1934 and returned in 1940.
The authentication is based on pigment analysis, signature study, and solid comparisons with other brothel scenes by Degas.