French School (XX) - Spring Dreams

Work cataloging — Special portraits auction

Technical sheet

French school, first half of the 20th century (signed 'L. Motin', attribution pending)
Spring Dreams
Chronology: circa 1920–1945
Technique: Oil on canvas adhered to board
Measurements: 18 × 13 cm (without frame)
Marco: 38 × 33 cm. Exquisite French frame, carved in wood with relief vegetal scrolls, ivory-toned patina, and gentle noble wear that enhances the delicacy of the portrait. Its depth and inner bevel create a 'scene in a jewelry box' effect.
French poetic realism style, with resonances of late academicism and the intimate sensitivity of the early 20th century.
Condition: Excellent.

2. Compositional and iconographic description

The work presents a delicate portrait of a young girl enveloped in a dreamlike atmosphere. The figure, with an illuminated face and contemplative expression, appears crowned with an exuberant bouquet of rosy pink roses that emphasize purity and the emotional awakening characteristic of childhood.

The artist constructs the skin with a refined sfumato, while the organza blouse is depicted with loose, luminous, and vibrant brushstrokes.

The background, treated with impressionist blur, creates an enveloping halo that places the protagonist in an intimate and symbolic garden. The hands holding the cheeks reinforce an expression of tenderness and introspection, evoking the iconography of the 'idealized childhood' typical of French painting between 1900 and 1940.

Style, parallels, and artistic valuation

The pictorial language connects with renowned artists such as Émile Vernon, Delphin Enjolras, and Émile Munier, masters of lyrical children's portraiture and highly sought after in international auctions. Their soft brushwork, precision in modeling, and velvety treatment of light place this piece within that refined tradition.

The work stands out for its chromatic harmony based on pinks, moist greens, and pearl whites, achieving an emotional balance that makes it especially desirable for collectors of sentimental French portraiture. Its small format — a true 'jewel frame' — enhances its intimate and collectible character.

We are faced with a portrait of the highest sweetness, technically solid and evocative, capable of competing with larger-scale works in its charm, pictorial quality, and narrative strength.