Q & A

T.G. of Calgary, Alberta writes:

I am writing in regards to this lovely "photograph" that I purchased for $2 at a garage sale and am curious about it. As you can see by the pictures I sent it appears to be a picture of artwork by Amaury Duval. On the bottom there is the numbers 1022, not sure if that is significant or not. On the back is where the T.Eaton and Co sticker with another number 33410/10. It is in its original frame etc and I was curious if it was an item that Eaton’s sold in there store or was it one that would have hung in the office and approx. how old would it be. Thank you in advance for possibly being able to assist me with this lovely picture’s history.

We asked Gabrielle Peacock to respond:

It appears you have a print after a work by the renowned French painter Eugene-Emmanuel Amaury-Duval. Born in Paris in 1806, Amaury-Duval is known for his portraiture, particularly of young women in the classic academic tradition. He was a pupil of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres whose influence shows in the restrained and elegant treatment of his subjects. Duval even produced a memoir on his years spent in Ingres studio, L’Atelier d’Ingres, which revealed much about the elusive artist and both their artistic processes.

Based on the image you have supplied, your print was probably made sometime in the 1930’s or 40’s and likely framed and retailed by Eaton’s who ran a very successful art gallery selling both important European paintings and decorative works. The number present on the reverse is a stock or inventory number.

Without seeing the print first hand it is difficult to be specific about the reproduction process employed, however it is some form of photographic reproduction of an existing oil painting likely held in a gallery or public institution. Because it was mass produced and made well after the artist’s lifetime the value is strictly decorative and modest. At auction, a work like this would realize under $100.00. That being said, it is a beautiful image and a bargain at $2.00! Enjoy!

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