A Feminine Bohemia: Thérèse Hummel and Montparnasse in the Roaring Twenties

Born into Parisian bourgeoisie, Thérèse Hummel studied at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière, where she met Jeanne Hébuterne, future companion of Modigliani. Together, they formed an artistic sisterhood with Loulou Hummel, Chana Orloff, Renée Kisling, and Germaine Taillefer, defining a community of female creators striving to establish themselves in a male-dominated world.

Supportive and united, these women navigated an art world still largely closed to them. Thérèse pursued a discreet career, continuing to create works ranging from Parisian landscapes (Le Jardin du Luxembourg, est. €200–300) to portraits (Portrait of George Olive as a Child, est. €150–200) and female nudes (est. €100–200). The collection reveals the deep ties between artists, models, and friends at the heart of Montparnasse.
 

Major works include four drawings attributed to Jeanne Hébuterne depicting Loulou, Thérèse’s flamboyant sister and model, exemplifying the artistic complicity between these young creators. Examples include Back Nude, Arms Behind Head (est. €1,000–1,500) and Standing Nude, Facing Sideways, Arms Behind Head (est. €1,000–2,000), along with a large ensemble of photographs and correspondence.

The collection also contains two drawings by Modigliani (including Portrait of a Man with Bow Tie, est. €5,000–7,000) and a remarkable Pablo Picasso sheet (Cubist Still Life with “Black and White” Whisky Bottle , est. €4,000–6,000), dedicated to the Hummel family and accompanied by a rare parody poster. Beyond the signatures, the collection conveys friendship, freedom, and creative emulation, capturing the vibrant spirit of Montparnasse during the Roaring Twenties.