Joseph-Benoît SUVEE (1743-1807) - Lot 87

Joseph-Benoît SUVEE (1743-1807) The Presentation of the Christ Child in the Temple Oil on canvas (missing and old restorations) unframed 50 x 67.5 cm Joseph-Benoît Suvée (1743-1807), Belgian neoclassical painter, produced a preparatory study for The Presentation of the Child Jesus at the Temple, the final work of which was destined for the Notre-Dame de Thuynes chapel in Ypres. True to the principles of Neoclassicism, Suvée composed a scene imbued with solemnity and balance, highlighting the light and expressions of the figures. Our study reveals the quest for dynamism and rigor in the organization of the figures, illustrating the moment when the Infant Jesus is presented to the priest Simeon. The subtle chiaroscuro and precision of the composition testify to the painter's academic skill. We would like to thank Sophie Join-Lambert and Anne Leclair for confirming the authenticity of this work, which they will include in the supplement to the artist's catalog raisonné currently in preparation.