Gaston La Touche (French, 1854-1913)

La promenade

signed 'G. LATOUCHE' (lower left) and inscribed 'A Marie Thérèse Elrotte pour ses 39 ans' (on the reverse)

oil on panel

18¾ x 21¾ in. (48 x 55 cm.)

sold $ 50,000 in 2015

This fanciful picture depicts the figure of Pan who has invaded an elegant salon in which to play his flute. (The musical instrument is a souvenir of his chase of Syrinx who sought to evade Pan's clutches at the very moment he grasped her, transforming her into reeds). He could be piping an ancient air and yearning for days when mythical creatures such as Maenads and Satyrs roamed the earth and took part in orgiastic celebrations. The monkey symbolizing lust sits on the table next to Pan and holds the music for his master. Above the pair is a tondo painting very likely by Tiepolo that depicts Venus escaping the embrace of Time.

An Ancient Air

oil on cradled panel

46 x 30 in. (116.9 x 78.1 cm.) sold $ 63,000 in 1999

Gaston La Touche (French, 1854-1913)

Nymphe près d'une pièce d'eau

signed 'GASTON LA · TOUCHE' (lower right)

oil on canvas

31 7/8 x 25 ½ in. (81 x 64.8 cm.)

sold $35,000 in 2018

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