The Artist of the Colombe d'Or

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The hill country over Nice was an ideal place for artists half a century ago. They met in intimacy, quiet, away from noises of the cities. The Auberge de la Colombe d'Or (English translation: golden dove inn) at St-Paul de Vence hosted them and exhibited their works.

In this cool environment, the wife of the steward of the auberge wished to also express her artistic talent. Her name was Emilienne Delacroix, aged 56 in 1949. She initially considered sculpture, but preferred to paint. She modeled with bare hands from the exit of the tube without mixing the colors.

The variety of her subjects, the purity of her color and rightness of proportions stirred the admiration of the famous guests of the hostel. She did not make a trade and did not need to seek another public: on site, her work was appreciated by the greatest names in modern art.

From 1949 to 1966, she held a guestbook in which Picasso dedicated a drawing, and which was friendly contributed by Prévert, Miro and others, as well as by superstars of the music hall. This valuable notebook of 92 pages is estimated 20 K €.

It is available in the sale of her workshop, organized by Ader in Paris on September 24. This is the first scheduled sale in the new Favart saleroom.

St. Paul de Vence is an important location in the history of the art of the twentieth century, as the Maeght Foundation was established in the village in 1964.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The guestbook was sold 16.2 K € excl.

This article has been the opportunity to discuss a nice auction sale. I invite you to use this link authorized by Interencheres.tv and watch the video posted before the sale.