The 2ft ¾in x 11¾in (63 x 30cm) leaf, painted in watercolour and gouache by Jacques-Emile Blanche (1861-1942), is signed and dated 87 to the lower left. It was offered by Tajan (26/21/14% buyer’s premium) on March 22.
In the 1880s the young Blanche was fascinated by Japonisme and he responded by creating a series of fan-shaped compositions around 10 of which are known (another example dated 1888 is in the collections of the Louvre).
The model for the two women featured on this leaf was Henriette Chabot, his favourite model, who also posed for Manet. Inspired by the paintings of his friend James Whistler, Blanche has depicted his two versions of Henriette in delicately toned white dresses seated on a black bench.
Estimated at €1500-2000, it sold for €9500 (£8405).
