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Learn MoreBridge at Vitebsk by Leon Gaspard
- This colorful winter scene by Leon Gaspard captures the artist's best subject
- The bridge bustles with warmly dressed figures taking their daily commute in Gaspard's hometown
- Gaspard's works now belong to prestigious museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago
- Get complete item description here
$98,500
Item No.
32-2164
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Description
Leon Gaspard
1882-1964 | Russian
Bridge at Vitebsk
Signed and dated "Leon Gaspard 1914" (lower left)
Inscribed "To Daniel MacMorris / from Leon Gaspard" (lower right)
Oil on board
Leon Gaspard's Bridge at Vitebsk is a compelling meditation on memory and place by one of the most distinctive émigré painters of the 20th century. Born in Vitebsk and later celebrated in Paris, New York and New Mexico, Gaspard built his reputation on. . .
1882-1964 | Russian
Bridge at Vitebsk
Signed and dated "Leon Gaspard 1914" (lower left)
Inscribed "To Daniel MacMorris / from Leon Gaspard" (lower right)
Oil on board
Leon Gaspard's Bridge at Vitebsk is a compelling meditation on memory and place by one of the most distinctive émigré painters of the 20th century. Born in Vitebsk and later celebrated in Paris, New York and New Mexico, Gaspard built his reputation on. . .
Read More
Leon Gaspard
1882-1964 | Russian
Bridge at Vitebsk
Signed and dated "Leon Gaspard 1914" (lower left)
Inscribed "To Daniel MacMorris / from Leon Gaspard" (lower right)
Oil on board
Leon Gaspard's Bridge at Vitebsk is a compelling meditation on memory and place by one of the most distinctive émigré painters of the 20th century. Born in Vitebsk and later celebrated in Paris, New York and New Mexico, Gaspard built his reputation on animated, richly atmospheric scenes that fuse academic training with a highly personal, expressive handling of color and light.
Here, a snow-covered bridge bustles with warmly dressed figures, all set against the reflective water below. The composition demonstrates the qualities most prized in Gaspard’s work: his authentic Belarusian subjects, rhythmic design and ability to transform ordinary life into something vivid, poetic and enduring. He was especially admired for such densely populated scenes such as this one, which became a hallmark of his mature style.
Even after establishing himself in the United States in 1915, he returned repeatedly to scenes rooted in his hometown of Vitebsk and the broader Russian Empire. Similar to his lifelong friend, compatriot and sometimes rival Marc Chagall, Gaspard became best known for these authentic, nostalgic subjects.
Gaspard was born and raised in Vitebsk, Russia in 1882, and he began his artistic studies alongside Chagall under the tutelage of artist Yehuda Pen. The two became quick friends and, for a time, even rivals as they both courted Bella Rosenfeld (who later married Chagall). Gaspard moved to Paris to study at the renowned Académie Julian, working closely with the prominent Academic artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau. He would spend much of his career traveling across Asia, Europe and the American Southwest. Gaspard achieved critical acclaim during his lifetime and has recently achieved major auction success. His works reside in prestigious museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago.
Dated 1914
Panel: 23 3/8” high x 20 3/8” wide (59.3 x 51.6 cm)
Frame: 27 5/8” high x 30 5/8” wide x 1 1/4” deep (70.2 x 77.8 x 3.2 cm)
Private collection, New Mexico
Private collection, United States
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
1882-1964 | Russian
Bridge at Vitebsk
Signed and dated "Leon Gaspard 1914" (lower left)
Inscribed "To Daniel MacMorris / from Leon Gaspard" (lower right)
Oil on board
Leon Gaspard's Bridge at Vitebsk is a compelling meditation on memory and place by one of the most distinctive émigré painters of the 20th century. Born in Vitebsk and later celebrated in Paris, New York and New Mexico, Gaspard built his reputation on animated, richly atmospheric scenes that fuse academic training with a highly personal, expressive handling of color and light.
Here, a snow-covered bridge bustles with warmly dressed figures, all set against the reflective water below. The composition demonstrates the qualities most prized in Gaspard’s work: his authentic Belarusian subjects, rhythmic design and ability to transform ordinary life into something vivid, poetic and enduring. He was especially admired for such densely populated scenes such as this one, which became a hallmark of his mature style.
Even after establishing himself in the United States in 1915, he returned repeatedly to scenes rooted in his hometown of Vitebsk and the broader Russian Empire. Similar to his lifelong friend, compatriot and sometimes rival Marc Chagall, Gaspard became best known for these authentic, nostalgic subjects.
Gaspard was born and raised in Vitebsk, Russia in 1882, and he began his artistic studies alongside Chagall under the tutelage of artist Yehuda Pen. The two became quick friends and, for a time, even rivals as they both courted Bella Rosenfeld (who later married Chagall). Gaspard moved to Paris to study at the renowned Académie Julian, working closely with the prominent Academic artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau. He would spend much of his career traveling across Asia, Europe and the American Southwest. Gaspard achieved critical acclaim during his lifetime and has recently achieved major auction success. His works reside in prestigious museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago.
Dated 1914
Panel: 23 3/8” high x 20 3/8” wide (59.3 x 51.6 cm)
Frame: 27 5/8” high x 30 5/8” wide x 1 1/4” deep (70.2 x 77.8 x 3.2 cm)
Private collection, New Mexico
Private collection, United States
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Read Less
Specifications
| Period: | 1816-1918 |
| Origin: | France |
| Type: | Paintings |
| Style: | Modernism |
| Depth: | 1.25 in. (3.18 cm) |
| Width: | 30.63 in. (77.79 cm) |
| Height: | 27.63 in. (70.17 cm) |
| Canvas Width: | 20.325 in. (51.63 cm) |
| Canvas Height: | 23.325 in. (59.25 cm) |
Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
