Description

A Large Oil Painting by Frederick Arthur Bridgman ‘La Fête des Bois’ Circa 1897

A Large Oil Painting by Frederick Arthur Bridgman – ‘La Fête des Bois,’ Circa 1897

Presenting an extraordinary large-scale oil painting by Frederick Arthur Bridgman, titled ‘La Fête des Bois’ (Les Bacchantes), executed circa 1897. Measuring a monumental 73″ x 150″ (185.4 cm x 381 cm), this painting is a masterful example of Bridgman’s academic and Orientalist influences, capturing the vibrant energy and festive spirit of a celebratory procession of flower-crowned revelers parading through the woods. The painting is signed F.A. Bridgman in the lower left, attesting to its authenticity and artistic provenance.

Artistic Significance:
‘La Fête des Bois’ is a striking depiction of joyous Bacchantes, demonstrating Bridgman’s exceptional ability to combine classical composition with dynamic narrative storytelling. Each figure is meticulously rendered with rich detail, harmonious color, and fluid brushwork, characteristic of Bridgman’s late 19th-century style. The painting’s monumental scale enhances its visual impact, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the celebration and movement captured within the woodland setting.

A near-identical version, approximately one-third the size, was exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1896 (no. 311), and the work attracted significant attention when shown at London’s Royal Academy, eliciting spirited critical commentary. As noted in the Atheneum, the painting’s lively depiction of revelers captured both imagination and conversation among contemporary audiences.

Provenance and Exhibition History:
This remarkable painting has an illustrious provenance, having passed through notable collections and sales:

• American Art Association, New York, The Works of F. A. Bridgman, March 14, 1899, lot 72

• Offered by William Randolph Hearst, Gimbel Brothers, New York, March 25, 1941, lot 964-1

• International Studio Art Division, Hearst Corporation, New York

• Acquired by Ethel Siegel, Palm Beach, 1966

Exhibition highlights include:

• Possible showing at London, The Royal Academy, 1897, no. 133

• New York, Boussod & Valadon, New Paintings by F.A. Bridgman, January 1899

• American Art Association, New York, The Works of F. A. Bridgman, March 1899, no. 3

Literary References:
The painting and its exhibitions have been referenced in significant publications:

• André Michel, The Royal Academy, The Atheneum, May 15, 1897

• Charles H. Chaffin, New Paintings by Fred Bridgman, Harper’s Weekly, Jan 7, 1899

• The New York Times, January 21 & March 9, 1899

Material and Technique:

• Medium: Oil on canvas

• Dimensions: 73″ H x 150″ W x 2″ D (185.42 cm x 381 cm x 5.08 cm)

• Technique: Hand-painted in oil, showcasing Bridgman’s mastery of light, color, and figure composition

Artistic and Collectible Value:
This painting represents not only a stunning example of Bridgman’s mature style but also a museum-quality collectible, ideal for discerning collectors, institutions, or historic interior installations. Its monumental scale, vibrant palette, and historical provenance make it an extraordinary investment piece.

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