80 - Augustin LESAGE (Saint-Pierre-lez-Auchel 1876 – Burbure 1954)

Augustin LESAGE (Saint-Pierre-lez-Auchel 1876 – Burbure 1954) “God’s Thought Is the Source of Lofty and Wholesome Inspiration,” 1932 Oil on canvas mounted on hardboard 70 x 51 cm Titled at the bottom center “God’s Thought Is the Source of Lofty and Wholesome Inspiration” and signed lower right We thank Mr. Pierre Guénégan for confirming the authenticity of this work, which will be included in the Supplement to the Catalog Raisonné of the Works of Augustin Lesage, currently in preparation, under the number AL092bis. A certificate of authenticity may be issued at the purchaser’s request. “An indefinable connection forms between the painting and me, as if I could not tell whether I had just painted it or merely rediscovered it” Augustin Lesage, quoted in the exhibition program, “Augustin Lesage,” Musée d’Arras and Musée de Béthune, October 15, 1988 – January 15, 1989, p. 9. A prolific artist of the first half of the 20th century, Augustin Lesage created an exceptional body of work that drew its inspiration from spiritualism, as well as from spiritualist, religious, and historical literature. A miner by trade, Lesage discovered he had the soul of a painter. One day in 1911 or 1912, the artist had a revelation: a voice spoke to him and foretold a surprising destiny. The painter stated: “I was in the mine, in a very remote tunnel; I was working alone in a narrow passageway just fifty centimeters wide… Suddenly, I heard voices speaking to me. I looked in every direction; I couldn’t even turn around in that spot—I was alone. Imagine my astonishment! I was afraid; the hair on my head stood on end… I heard: ‘Do not be afraid; we are near you. One day you will be a painter…’” (Augustin Lesage quoted in the exhibition’s Petit Journal, “Augustin Lesage,” Musée d’Arras and Musée de Béthune, October 15, 1988 – January 15, 1989, p. 3).