Éléphant à Hué, Annam, 1923
Oil on paper laid down on cardboard, signed lower right.
36 x 45 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, France.
Exhibitions:
Paul Jouve Exhibition, Galerie Danthon, Paris, May 23 – June 27, 1925, n°20.
Certificate of authenticity issued by Mr. Dominique Suisse.
In 1922–1923, during his journey to Indochina, Paul Jouve discovered the landscapes of Annam and stopped in Hué, where he observed elephants. In this painting, he captures the calm strength of the animal guided by its mahout.
The light, colorful touch reflects the artist’s sense of wonder before the Asian brightness. Draped in subtly tinted fabrics, the elephant appears monumental and solemn, holding the painter’s full attention.
This work belongs to the broader bestiary that Jouve expanded during his travels in Asia, and demonstrates his ability to combine naturalistic observation with decorative stylization in the spirit of Art Deco.