French school (XX) - Nature morte à la lampe à huile florentine et livres anciens

French School (dated 1921) - Still life with Florence oil lamp and ancient books

Still life of vertical format representing a traditional oil lamp called “Florentine” (lucerna) in brass, with its chains and maintenance accessories. It is placed on a dark carved wooden chest with a five-pointed star, accompanied by three old leather-bound books with red edges.
The composition plays with a warm chiaroscuro, highlighting the metallic reflections of the brass and the patina of the bindings. The canvas is mounted on its original wooden frame with keys.

Inscriptions and signature :
• On the recto: barely legible signature at the bottom left.
• On the verso: handwritten pencil inscription on the top crossbar of the frame, including a dedication (« Amical souvenir... »), the artist’s signature and the date “1921”.

• Artist: French School / signature to be identified (Le Hely or Le Hecq ?)
• Title of the work: Still life with Florence oil lamp and antique books
• Medium: Oil on canvas (on its original key-frame)
• Signature: Signed at bottom left; counter-signed, dedicated and dated “1921” in ink on the back of the frame
• Era: 1921 (Early 20th century)
• Dimensions (H x W): 41 × 26.5 cm
• Frame: Framelss
• Condition: Good overall condition

Conservation state :
Good original condition. Canvas well stretched on its period frame. Noted an antique patina, some light wear and small losses of material on the edges (due to the absence of a frame), as well as light surface marks.

Provenance :
Private collection, France.
Shipping :
Very careful and secure packaging with bubble wrap, rigid protective sheets and reinforced cardboard. Shipment with tracking number and insurance.