Lubitch, Ossip. (1896–1990)
Female Nude Study
Mixed media (gouache, watercolor) on paper color study of a female nude by the Belarusian-born Post Impressionist artist, who has signed "O. Lubitch" in pencil beneath the figure. Heavy fold crease along the upper margin and minor creasing throughout, some toning; overall very good. 9.75 x 11.25 inches (24.8 x 28.6 cm.), mounted to 10.75 x 12.25 inches (27.3 x 31 cm.).In 1919, Lubitch moved to Berlin with a group of Russian artists where he worked as a decorator for the Berlin Opera as well as local cabarets, and soon became revered for his talents. After accepting a contract to decorate a cabaret in Montparnasse, Lubitch moved to Paris where he befriended a number of notable artists, musicians and composers, one of whom - sculptor Antoine Bourdelle - introduced him the Salon des Tuileries. In 1934, he published ‘Cirque’, an album consisting of 10 aquatint etchings with a preface by French Expressionist painter Georges Roualt. During World War II, he continued to work quietly at his studio in Montparnasse and did not register as a 'Jew' at the police prefecture; a decision that would later endanger him when German informants revealed his identity. In 1944, he was arrested and interned to Drancy transit camp from which he fled during the liberation of Paris. After the war, he returned to Paris where he worked until his death. (Ossip Lubitch, ecoledesparis.com) (19748)