Lot 1: Francois Martin Kavel (French, 1861-1931) Portrait of an Elegant Woman Painting

Francois Martin Kavel (French, 1861-1931) Portrait of an Elegant Woman Oil on Canvas Painting, circa 1890, with Original gilt-wood frame. Signed Martin Kavel, lower right. With frame: 39" high x 33" wide Without frame: 31" high x 25" wide Good overall condition, craquelure throughout as seen in photos. Relined. No tears. Ready to hang. Fran̤ois Martin-Kavel was a French genre painter. Best known for his idealized portraits of women, his work often depicts them in exoticized costumes or in titillating states of undress. Martin-Kavel notably often painted his figures in centered compositions surrounded by dark fabric backgrounds, theatrically lit as though by spotlight. In addition to his popular portraits, he was also known for his still lifes' and landscapes. Born on May 25, 1846, Martin-Kavel was a regular exhibitor at the Salon des Artistes Fran̤ais. As a member of the salon, he was awarded a medal for his work in 1881.