Lot 142: Albert de Belleroche (British, 1864-1944) La danseuse

La danseuse
signed 'Belleroche' (lower right),
black chalk on paper
58.5 x 40.5cm (23 1/16 x 15 15/16in).

The following 14 lots form the collection of a lady, at the heart of which are a group of works by Albert de Belleroche.

Although not widely known as a painter in comparison with his more famous contemporaries such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Degas and Sargent, Albert de Belleroche knew them all as friends and shared studios and models with many of them. In particular, Lily Grenier of the Moulin Rouge (seen here in Lot 153) became his most regular model as well as his mistress, but also worked with Lautrec, Degas and Renoir.

De Belleroche came from a wealthy family and painted for the joy of it rather than financial gain, selling only a few works to fellow artists such as Degas. He was also well renowned for his skill as a lithographer and some of his printed works from this collection will be sold by Bonhams at a later date.

The pictures in this section come from a private collection of a close friend of de Belleroche and his family.