Yves BRAYER (1907-1990) - Lot 68

Yves BRAYER (1907-1990) Basilica of Basil the Blessed at night, Moscow, 1974 Watercolor, signed lower left 86 x 66 cm This watercolor by Yves Brayer, painted in Moscow in 1974, reveals a rarer facet of the artist's work. Best known for his luminous Provence landscapes, Camargue scenes and sun-drenched Mediterranean compositions, Brayer here ventures into a radically different subject and atmosphere. The Basilica of St. Basil the Blessed, emblematic of Red Square, rises up under a deep night sky where the polychrome domes stand out with force. Brayer manages to combine spontaneity of line with great chromatic sensitivity: the deep blues of the night contrast with the reds, greens and golds of the bulbs, whose decorative motifs are vividly rendered. The light seems to radiate from the building itself, giving the scene an almost theatrical dimension. The presence of discreet silhouettes in the foreground and the reflection of the architecture in the water bring a breath of fresh air to the composition, underlining Brayer's acute sense of staging. Rather than a strictly documentary description, Brayer favors a sensitive, lively interpretation of the monument, in which color and architectural rhythm dominate. These foreign views, executed during his travels, occupy a more confidential place in the artist's output. Their rarity and singular character make them a precious testimony to the painter's curiosity and openness. A certificate from Hermione Brayer dated March 8, 1990 will be given to the buyer. Listed in the Yves Brayer archive (photo no. PH 5341)