Dos à dos

A double-sided oil painting on wood, from the home and atelier of French artist Cécile Hertz-Eyrolles (1875–1974). The reverse bears the artist’s atelier stamp.

This rare double-sided work offers a glimpse into Hertz-Eyrolles’s studio practice — not only her reuse of materials, but also the range of her subjects. On one side, a close-up portrait of a woman’s face is rendered in oil, with underlying pencil lines still visible, gently carving out her features. These visible marks, along with the soft expression and clear blue eyes, give the portrait a dreamlike quality — as if the figure is emerging into focus. The woman’s short blonde bob and serene gaze suggest a sense of familiarity; based on family photographs, we believe this to be the artist’s sister.

On the reverse, a man is seated in what appears to be a pottery studio. He wears a wide-brimmed hat and dark clothing, surrounded by shelves and floors lined with Provençal-style pottery. The scene is quiet and observational, offering a glimpse of creative life in another form.

One of the unique qualities of a double-sided work is its versatility — allowing for different views, moods, or room placements over time.

Condition to note: Both surfaces show signs of age. On the portrait side, there is a small fleck of wood missing from the hair, and a trace of paint transfer on the shirt from another work. The reverse also shows light paint transfer and a missing corner of wood.

Cécile Hertz-Eyrolles biography