Yvonne Clarinval, Vierge à l'Enfant et Saints, 1910, Mixed Media, Framed

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Description

Yvonne clarinval (1894-1979)

vierge à l'enfant et saints
(the virgin with the child and saints)

master of symbolism
… Read more Yvonne clarinval (1894-1979)

vierge à l'enfant et saints
(the virgin with the child and saints)

master of symbolism

very rare symbolist artwork by french she-artist yvonne clarinval (pouilly-sur-meuse 1894 - sedan, 1979)

extremely sophisticated mixed media: the painting is watercolour, gouache, and pastel.
the frame has been realised by the artist for this painting only, and it is decorated embossed metal.

hand-signed and hand-dated in the painting "y clarinval 1910", lower left

a typical example of high-quality symbolism, far from many of the flou or blurry images of the period.
here any minimum action of the brush or pastel/pencil is intentional and meditated.

size: 640 x 330 x 30 mm

in excellent condition
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the artist

yvonne clarinval hasn't been a prolific artist: while the fashions of those time made speed and ugliness prevail over quality and meditation, although very young she opted for a spiritual and mystical art, closer to pre-raphaelites and old masters, but more symbolist and ethereal.
her religious feelings, close to mysticism, made her searching for eternity and not for the ephemeral moment.
her works are extremely rare, and only in private collections. Only one of this kind, smaller and less inspired, has been auctioned by a major auctioneer. In 1920s she also made textiles, and her silks are in international museums (e.g. At metropolitan n.y.), but they are less interesting because they keep elegance in pattern but lack inspiration.
faithful to her heart, she illustrated a book only, "l'amour et l'amitié chez les saints" by female writer marguerite savigny-vesco.
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the artwork

it is truly remarkable to think that yvonne clarinval created this piece in 1910, when she was only sixteen years old. Even at such a young age, her work displays a sophisticated blend of religious tradition and the burgeoning modern aesthetics of the early 20th century.

the work sits at a fascinating intersection of art nouveau and the symbolist movement. One can see the influence of the belle époque in the elongated figures and the graceful, flowing lines of the drapery.
the pointed arch frame and the hierarchical arrangement of the figures—with the madonna and child centred and elevated—echo medieval altarpieces, yet the execution feels fresh and ethereal.
the flat areas of color and the decorative, almost patterned approach to the roses at the bottom suggest an awareness of the "nabis" style, which prioritised emotion and decoration over realistic perspective.

the virgin mary is depicted in a mandorla (an almond-shaped aura), which traditionally signifies sacred space. She sits atop a column, rising out of a bed of white and gold roses—symbols of purity and divine love.
the symmetry of the angels, with their bowed heads and golden halos, creates a sense of profound stillness and adoration.
at the very apex of the arch, the white dove with outspread wings represents the holy spirit, completing the spiritual hierarchy of the piece.

what’s particularly lovely is the texture. Clarinval utilized a palette of muted blues, golds, and creams, which gives the painting a luminous, almost stained-glass quality. The dark, ornate frame acts as a heavy "anchor" for the light, delicate scene within, making the celestial figures appear even more weightless. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less