Le Thi Luu — Mother and Child
Details
Signed ‘le thi luu’ (lower right).
Sizes:
Frame: 54 × 44 cm | 21.3 × 17.3 in
Artwork: 43.5 × 33 cm | 17.1 × 13 in
Mother and Child is a quintessential expression of Le Thi Luu’s profound ability to capture the delicate, ethereal bond between mother and child. Executed in her signature medium of gouache and ink on silk, the work radiates an atmosphere of serenity and timeless affection.
The artist utilizes the unique, absorbent qualities of the silk support to create a luminous, pastel-infused palette, where the mother’s gentle, protective embrace and the infant’s serene gaze are framed by a vibrant, impressionistic garden.
Blending traditional Vietnamese sensibilities with the techniques of French Impressionism, Le Thi Luu creates a vision of motherhood that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The intricate brushwork and the subtle, pearlescent quality of the skin tones evoke a sense of fragility and enduring strength.
Mother and Child stands as a masterful testament to the artist’s unique capacity to transmute fleeting moments of domestic intimacy into enduring icons of grace and emotional depth.
Provenance
Private Collection, Cannes (acquired in the 1980s).
Private Collection, Spain (acquired from the above in 2016).
Condition Report
Overall good condition. Please contact us to request a detailed Condition Report.
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Le Thi Luu
Le Thi Luu, a pioneering figure in Vietnamese modern art, is celebrated for her ethereal silk paintings that capture the grace and quiet strength of Vietnamese women. Born in Vietnam in 1911, she was among the first female graduates of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine, an institution that played a pivotal role in shaping modern Vietnamese art. Her early works reflect a delicate balance between traditional Asian aesthetics and the influences of French Impressionism, resulting in dreamlike compositions rich in emotion and nostalgia.
Le Thi Luu’s artistic journey led her to France, where she continued to refine her style, infusing her works with luminous pastels and poetic serenity. Her paintings, often depicting women and children in intimate, contemplative moments, exude a timeless elegance that transcends cultural boundaries. Through her mastery of silk painting, she created a visual language that speaks of memory, tenderness, and the beauty of fleeting moments. Today, her work remains a cornerstone of Vietnamese art history, celebrated for its refinement and evocative storytelling.
