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

Carmen Mondragón (1893 - 1978)
Carmen Mondragón
1893 - 1978
Raymond Delamarre (1890 - 1986)
Raymond Delamarre
1890 - 1986
Édouard Vuillard (1868 - 1940)
Édouard Vuillard
1868 - 1940
Henri-Gabriel Ibels (1867 - 1936)
Henri-Gabriel Ibels
1867 - 1936
Raymond Auguste Monvoisin (1790 - 1870)
Raymond Auguste Monvoisin
1790 - 1870
Charles Camoin (1879 - 1965)
Charles Camoin
1879 - 1965
Pyotr Fyodorovich Sokolov (1787 - 1848)
Pyotr Fyodorovich Sokolov
1787 - 1848
Min Jung-Yeon (1979)
Min Jung-Yeon
1979
Eugène Flandin (1809 - 1889)
Eugène Flandin
1809 - 1889
Marguerite Gérard (1761 - 1837)
Marguerite Gérard
1761 - 1837
Philippe Rousseau (1816 - 1887)
Philippe Rousseau
1816 - 1887
Joseph Parrocel (1646 - 1704)
Joseph Parrocel
1646 - 1704
Karol Malankevich (1802 - 1877)
Karol Malankevich
1802 - 1877
Jean LurçatI (1892 - 1966)
Jean LurçatI
1892 - 1966
Guy Joseph Marie de Villardi (1918 - 1977)
Guy Joseph Marie de Villardi
1918 - 1977
Alexandre René Véron (1826 - 1897)
Alexandre René Véron
1826 - 1897

Creators Post-Impressionism

Marc Eemans (1907 - 1998)
Marc Eemans
1907 - 1998
Roger Eliot Fry (1866 - 1934)
Roger Eliot Fry
1866 - 1934
Michele Cascella (1892 - 1989)
Michele Cascella
1892 - 1989
Ivan Tišov (1870 - 1928)
Ivan Tišov
1870 - 1928
Karl Armbrust (1867 - 1928)
Karl Armbrust
1867 - 1928
Uwe Kowski (1963)
Uwe Kowski
1963
František Bílek (1872 - 1941)
František Bílek
1872 - 1941
Vasili Rozhdestvensky (1884 - 1963)
Vasili Rozhdestvensky
1884 - 1963
Laszlo Bornemisza (1910 - 1995)
Laszlo Bornemisza
1910 - 1995
Fernand Toussaint (1873 - 1956)
Fernand Toussaint
1873 - 1956
Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov (1848 - 1926)
Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov
1848 - 1926
Raphael Schwartz (1874 - 1942)
Raphael Schwartz
1874 - 1942
Otto Nagel (1894 - 1967)
Otto Nagel
1894 - 1967
Hans von Bartels (1856 - 1913)
Hans von Bartels
1856 - 1913
Nikolai Dmitrievich Milioti (1874 - 1962)
Nikolai Dmitrievich Milioti
1874 - 1962
Einar Gross (1895 - 1962)
Einar Gross
1895 - 1962