Footnotes

Provenance
Pierre Le-Tan collection.
Thence in the family by descent.
Private collection, France.


Le Pho, a renowned Vietnamese painter, masterfully integrated Eastern and Western artistic conventions in his oeuvre. Le Pho was born on 2 August 1907 in Hanoi, Vietnam. He grew up in an environment deeply rooted in cultural heritage and artistic expression. His formal training at the École des Beaux-Arts de l'Indochine in Hanoi under Victor Tardieu was pivotal in shaping his practice. During his early years, Le Pho primarily painted in oil, mastering Western techniques characterised by meticulous brushwork and a rich, vibrant palette.

By the late 1930s, however, Le Pho's artistic focus shifted dramatically. Alongside fellow Vietnamese artists Vu Cao Dam and Mai Trung Thu, Le Pho turned to silk painting. This shift was a deliberate effort to reinvigorate Indochinese painting while preserving its integral attributes. Silk, with its delicate and ethereal qualities, provided an ideal medium for Le Pho's figural paintings. His subjects often included Vietnamese women, family settings, and serene landscapes, depicted with elongated figures that evoked a sense of grace and tranquillity.

During his first trip to Europe in 1931-32, Le Pho travelled to Italy, spending time in Florence and Fiesole. These cities, renowned for their rich Renaissance art heritage, left a profound impact on him. Le Pho drew inspiration from the works of Italian painters such as Sandro Botticelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio. The elegance and intricate details in their paintings motivated Le Pho to incorporate similar qualities into his own art. The techniques and aesthetics of the Italian Renaissance, including the use of perspective, detailed human figures, and a focus on naturalism, are evident in Le Pho's paintings. This influence is particularly noticeable in the graceful and elongated figures, as well as the harmonious colour palette and balanced compositions that characterise his work.

This painting entitled Veiled Elegance presented here features a Vietnamese woman wearing dark clothing and a veil, holding her hand near her face in a contemplative or introspective pose. In the foreground, white flowers and green leaves add a touch of nature and serenity to the composition. The use of dark clothing and the veil imparts a mysterious and ethereal quality to the painting. The white flowers and green leaves contrast beautifully with the darker tones, highlighting Le Pho's skill in creating balanced and harmonious compositions. The painting captures the elegance and fluidity in the depiction of the figure and the natural elements. Le Pho's attention to detail in the flowers and the figure's attire creates a lifelike and immersive scene, reflecting the influence of Italian Renaissance paintings.

Le Pho, Vu Cao Dam and Mai Trung Thu received considerable recognition and international acclaim for their collective efforts. Their exhibitions showcased the beauty and sophistication of Indochinese art, highlighting the harmonious integration of Eastern and Western elements. This synthesis was not only a testament to their technical prowess but also a reflection of their cultural heritage and artistic vision.

Le Pho's ability to blend diverse influences into his figural paintings on silk made his work distinctive and celebrated in both Vietnamese and international art circles. His journey from mastering oil painting to pioneering silk painting exemplifies the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation. Through his art, Le Pho has left an indelible mark on the world of painting, demonstrating that true mastery lies in the ability to adapt, innovate, and synthesise.