Description:

signed, dated, and dedicated, lower left: A Monsieur le Maréchal Lyautey, respectueux hommages d’Etienne Cournault, Thorey 1927, un coin du Maroc.
black chalk and white heightening
456 x 382 mm

Provenance:

Louis Hubert Gonzalve Lyautey (1854-1934), Thorey
Private Collection, Paris

Note:

This depiction of an interior provides an intimate record of the artist Étienne Cournault’s visit to the Moroccan room of Marshal Lyautey’s (1854-1934) Château de Thorey in Lorraine in 1927. Drawn from an elevated viewpoint with an eccentric sense of perspective the drawing reflects the nascent influence of the avant-garde on Cournault’s work, and his interest in the contemporary movements of cubism, surrealism, and Dada. Lyautey inherited the 18th century château from an aunt and following his retirement from a prestigious career as a French Army General and the first French Resident-General in Morocco in 1925, he returned to Lorraine and converted the manor house. The interior depicted here was designed and decorated by Moroccan artisans and is replete with gifts and acquisitions from Lyautey’s administrative career. In retirement, Lyautey maintained links with Moroccan dignitaries and entertained the Sultan Moulay Youssef and the King of Morocco at Thorey. On his death, the château took on the name of Thorey-Lyautey at the request of local inhabitants.

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