Ker-Xavier Roussel (1867 - 1944)

Ker-Xavier Roussel (1867 - 1944) - photo 1

Ker-Xavier Roussel

Ker-Xavier Roussel was a French painter, renowned for his distinctive post-impressionist style and his affiliation with the Nabis, an avant-garde artist group. Born in 1867, Roussel's artistic journey began in his teens and continued robustly into the 20th century, leaving a legacy celebrated for its mythological and bucolic themes.

Roussel's art is characterized by its vivid portrayal of mythological scenes and landscapes, often infused with a sense of eroticism and joy. His work frequently depicts Greek myths set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean, featuring figures like women, nymphs, centaurs, and fauns. These large, brightly colored paintings, such as "Rural Festival, Summer" and "The Seasons of Life," marked a departure from the smaller formats typical of the Nabis, showcasing his evolution towards a more expansive and expressive style.

A master of pastels, Roussel's work from the 1890s, such as "La Barrière," displayed at the Musée d'Orsay, reflects the Nabi style with its Japanese print influences, absence of perspective, and contrasting values. His later works, created between 1930 and 1944, often depicted violent mythological deaths, revealing a darker aspect of his artistic expression.

Roussel's contributions extended beyond canvas, as he created large paintings for public spaces and private clients, including a significant panel for the Palais des Nations in Geneva and the front curtain of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. His recognition peaked in the 1930s, with a multi-panel scheme for the Palais de Chaillot and winning the Carnegie Prize for art in 1926.

Despite a period of obscurity, Roussel's work regained attention through exhibitions like "Ker-Xavier Roussel, Private Garden, Dreamed Garden" at the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny, showcasing his significant contributions to art history.

For art collectors and experts, understanding Roussel's work offers insights into the evolution of post-impressionism and the Nabis' influence on modern art. His unique blend of mythological themes and vibrant landscapes represents an important chapter in art history. For those interested in exploring Roussel's work further or keeping updated on related art sales and auctions, signing up for updates is a valuable opportunity to deepen your engagement with this influential artist's legacy.

Date and place of birt:10 december 1867, Lorry-lès-Metz, France
Date and place of death:5 june 1944, L'Étang-la-Ville, France
Nationality:France
Period of activity: XIX, XX century
Specialization:Artist, Educator, Painter, Poet
Art school / group:Les Nabis
Genre:Landscape painting, Portrait, Still life
Art style:Post-Impressionism, Symbolism

Creators France

Georges-Frédéric Rötig (1873 - 1961)
Georges-Frédéric Rötig
1873 - 1961
Theodore Butler (1861 - 1936)
Theodore Butler
1861 - 1936
Eugene Ciceri (1813 - 1890)
Eugene Ciceri
1813 - 1890
Jean Effel (1908 - 1982)
Jean Effel
1908 - 1982
Ludwig Deutsch (1855 - 1935)
Ludwig Deutsch
1855 - 1935
André Dubreuil (1951)
André Dubreuil
1951
Bernard Boutet de Monvel (1881 - 1949)
Bernard Boutet de Monvel
1881 - 1949
Martin Schongauer (1448 - 1491)
Martin Schongauer
1448 - 1491
Pierre-Athanase Chauvin (1774 - 1832)
Pierre-Athanase Chauvin
1774 - 1832
Léon Cogniet (1794 - 1880)
Léon Cogniet
1794 - 1880
Adrien Vachette (1753 - 1839)
Adrien Vachette
1753 - 1839
Constant-Joseph Brochart (1816 - 1889)
Constant-Joseph Brochart
1816 - 1889
Edouard Boubat (1923 - 1999)
Edouard Boubat
1923 - 1999
Aleksei Alekseevich Kharlamov (1840 - 1925)
Aleksei Alekseevich Kharlamov
1840 - 1925
Étienne Amédée Rosier (1831 - 1914)
Étienne Amédée Rosier
1831 - 1914
Bénigne Gagneraux (1756 - 1795)
Bénigne Gagneraux
1756 - 1795

Creators Post-Impressionism

Jakob Smits (1855 - 1928)
Jakob Smits
1855 - 1928
Lee Man Fong (1913 - 1988)
Lee Man Fong
1913 - 1988
Heinz Glüsing (1920 - 2013)
Heinz Glüsing
1920 - 2013
Illarion Vladimirovich Golitsyn (1928 - 2007)
Illarion Vladimirovich Golitsyn
1928 - 2007
Josef Karl Rädler (1844 - 1917)
Josef Karl Rädler
1844 - 1917
Lidia Ivanovna Arionescu-Baillayre (1880 - 1923)
Lidia Ivanovna Arionescu-Baillayre
1880 - 1923
Ethel Carrick Fox (1872 - 1952)
Ethel Carrick Fox
1872 - 1952
Enrico Paulucci (1901 - 1999)
Enrico Paulucci
1901 - 1999
Ernest Cornélis Ary Renan (1857 - 1900)
Ernest Cornélis Ary Renan
1857 - 1900
André Malraux (1901 - 1976)
André Malraux
1901 - 1976
Eugeen van Mieghem (1875 - 1930)
Eugeen van Mieghem
1875 - 1930
Édouard Vallet (1876 - 1929)
Édouard Vallet
1876 - 1929
Ludwig von Löfftz (1845 - 1910)
Ludwig von Löfftz
1845 - 1910
Ulvi Liegi (1858 - 1939)
Ulvi Liegi
1858 - 1939
Raphael Schwartz (1874 - 1942)
Raphael Schwartz
1874 - 1942
Paul Henschel (1889 - 1982)
Paul Henschel
1889 - 1982