oil on board
59.7 x 73.7 cm (23 1/2 x 29 in.)
signed Berard lower left

PROVENANCE
Copley Galleries
Edward James
Christie`s, London, June 5, 1986, lot 1606
Collection of Paul Walter (acquired at the above sale)
Sotheby`s, New York, October 6, 2009, lot 197

LOT NOTES
Paul Walter, who bought this painting in London from Christie`s in 1986, unfortunately passed away this year in January. Walter was an extremely well respected art collector, museum patron, and heir to the Thermo Electric fortune.

LOT NOTES

Christian Berard, also known as Bebe, was a French artist mainly known for his work in theatre design and fashion illustration. During the course of his career, Berard collaborated with the likes of Coco Chanel, Nina Ricci, and Jean Cocteau, with whom he created designs for Cocteau`s 1946 La Belle et la Bete. (Following Berard`s sudden death, Cocteau dedicated the film Orphee to Berard). Despite being known for his work as a graphic artist and designer, the following painting demonstrates Berard`s skill as a fine artist. Throughout the painting, wispy brushstrokes border areas of watercolor-esque washes of blue-greens; the children`s faces lively and soft, if distraught. In its subject matter and muted color palette, Enfants sur la plage evokes the work of French Realist Gustave Courbet, especially the 1850 painting The Stone Breakers.