The Circus

Description

The attribution of this painting to Suzanne Valadon has been rejected by several authorities. Others support the attribution, arguing that the painting is merely atypical because it is an early work, signed and dated 1889. Valadon did not begin to develop her mature style until 1891.She was the mother of artist Maurice Utrillo and a prolific painter herself, although she never received any formal artistic training.

Provenance

Myria Barnwell, Nice. According to label on reverse, sold at auction in 1939. Valentine Gallery, New York, 1942. Bought by Leonard C. Hanna Jr., 12 January 1942, New York and Cleveland. Bequeathed to the CMA in 1958.

The Circus

Suzanne Valadon

1889

Accession Number

1958.56

Medium

oil on fabric

Dimensions

Unframed: 48.8 x 60 cm (19 3/16 x 23 5/8 in.)

Classification

Painting

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Bequest of Leonard C. Hanna Jr.