arts de la table
Roger de la Fresnaye was a French painter, a representative of Cubism in painting.
He studied at the Académie Julian in Paris and was fascinated by the art of Paul Cézanne. In his works Fresnaye synthesized lyrical color with geometric simplifications of Cubism.
Laurent de La Hyre, a prominent French Baroque painter born in Paris in 1606, is celebrated for his mastery in landscape and allegorical paintings. Throughout his career, La Hyre exhibited a profound influence from the Italian artists who visited Paris, studying under Georges Lallemand and drawing inspiration from Primaticcio at Fontainebleau. Despite never traveling to Italy himself, La Hyre’s work was characterized by a captivating use of color and the delicate composition of figures, marking him as a key figure in the transitional period leading up to the French Baroque era introduced by Simon Vouet.
La Hyre’s paintings are notable for their gravity, simplicity, and dignity, qualities that resonated with the neoclassical style of Parisian Atticism he championed. His early works are particularly recognized for their painterly style and storytelling prowess, often depicting subjects rarely seen in his contemporaries' work. One of his most significant contributions was to the Capuchin friars of the Marais, with the painting of Pope Nicholas V discovering the corpse of St. Francis of Assisi, now housed in the Louvre alongside eight other works by La Hyre. Museums in Strasbourg, Rouen, and Le Mans also boast collections of his work, showcasing his broad appeal and the versatility of his subject matter.
In 1648, La Hyre's status in the art world was further cemented by his role as one of the founding members of the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, highlighting his influence and prominence in French art history. Despite his fame, La Hyre’s legacy underwent periods of reevaluation, particularly towards the end of the 17th century when his work received less favorable comparisons to contemporaries like Vouet, Champaigne, and Le Sueur. Nonetheless, his impact on the French Baroque movement and his contribution to the Academy underline the significance of his work and his role in the development of French art.
La Hyre's oeuvre spans a wide range of themes, from mythological and biblical scenes to allegories of the liberal arts, demonstrating his versatility and innovative approach to art. Among his notable works are the allegorical representations of the Seven Liberal Arts, designed as a series and showcasing disciplines like Astronomy, Grammar, and Music as personified figures, reflecting the intellectual and cultural values of his time.
Collectors and experts in art and antiques appreciate La Hyre not only for the aesthetic and historical value of his paintings but also for the insights they provide into the cultural and intellectual currents of 17th-century France. His works, preserved in prestigious museums and galleries, continue to be celebrated for their artistic merit and historical significance.
For those keen on exploring the rich tapestry of Baroque art and the contributions of Laurent de La Hyre to this period, signing up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to La Hyre is an invaluable opportunity. This subscription ensures that enthusiasts and collectors are well-informed about the latest discoveries and offerings related to this influential artist, without the intrusion of unrelated content.
Alberto Giacometti was a Swiss sculptor, painter, draftsman, and printmaker, renowned for his distinctive elongated sculptures of solitary figures. Born in Borgonovo, Switzerland, in 1901, into a family of artists, Giacometti's talent was evident from an early age, encouraged by his father, Giovanni, a post-Impressionist painter, and his godfather, Cuno Amiet, a Fauvist painter. Moving to Paris in 1922 to study under the sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, Giacometti became a pivotal figure in Surrealism before focusing intensely on the human form, leading to his signature style of thin, elongated figures that evoke feelings of solitude and existential dread.
Giacometti's work spans several decades and various phases, including his early involvement with Surrealism and his later, more recognized existential and figurative sculptures. Notably, his sculptures, such as "Walking Man I" and "The Palace at 4 a.m.," reflect his unique view of reality and his relentless pursuit to capture the human essence. His approach was influenced by his associations with prominent figures of the art world, including Miró and Picasso, and intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre.
Despite facing challenges, including periods of self-doubt and the physical toll on his health, Giacometti's legacy as a master sculptor and artist remains influential. His works are celebrated worldwide and featured in major museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Gallery in London, testament to his enduring impact on the art world.
Collectors and experts in art and antiques continue to revere Giacometti's work for its emotional depth and unique aesthetic. For those interested in the pioneering spirit of modern sculpture, Alberto Giacometti's oeuvre offers a profound exploration of the human condition and the artist's relentless pursuit of reality through art.
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Samuel Lewis Francis, an American painter and printmaker, was known for his pivotal role in postwar American painting and his contributions to the Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting movements. Born in San Mateo, California, Francis' early life was marked by a deep personal loss and a significant injury during his service in the Army Air Corps, which led him to pursue painting while recovering in a hospital. His work, characterized by splashes of bright contrasting colors against expansive white canvases, drew international acclaim, particularly in Europe and Japan, underscoring his influence on the global art scene.
Francis' art evolved through various phases, from monochromatic works to vibrant, large-scale pieces, and was deeply influenced by his time in Paris and Japan, reflecting elements of Tachisme and possibly Zen Buddhism. Notable for creating large murals and his "Edge" series, Francis also founded The Lapis Press, further contributing to the art community by producing visually compelling texts. Despite facing health challenges towards the end of his life, he remained prolific, leaving behind a legacy celebrated through the Sam Francis Foundation, which aims to perpetuate his creative legacy.
Francis' artworks are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the Centre Pompidou-Musee National d'Art Moderne, Paris, highlighting his enduring influence on contemporary art. His auction records and continued recognition in solo exhibitions posthumously underscore the lasting impact of his work on both collectors and the art community.
For those passionate about modern art and its history, staying informed about Samuel Lewis Francis' contributions and the ongoing exhibitions of his works can be enriching. Sign up for updates related to Francis to ensure you don't miss out on new sales and auction events showcasing his vibrant legacy.