Paul Mathey, Gros bouquet, Oil on Canvas, Framed for sale at Pamono-TXA-1563707

Description

Paul Albert Mathey is the son of Charles and Elisa Beaujon. Orphaned at 14, he was taken in by an uncle and spent his childhood in New York. In 1931, he married Claire-Lise Monnier, a painter like him. They have exhibited together several times. Between 1905 and 1910, he took evening classes at the Art Student’s League in New York. From 1910 to 1916, he attended the School of Fine Arts in Geneva and was a pupil of Barthlemy Menn. During this period, he received several awards and mentions. In 1916-1917, he worked with Ferdinand Hodler. In 1918, he became a member of the Society of Swiss Painters, Sculptors and Architects (he participated in all of its exhibitions until 1967) and of the Gottfried Keller Foundation (1954-1961). He mainly painted landscapes and still lifes. He also made some theater sets in Geneva. In 1967, he became a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. A large part of his works can be found at the Monnier Foundation in Cartigny.

This artistic work stands out for its boldness and striking texture. The painting features a complex play of dark colors and raised patterns, creating a dynamic and intriguing impression. The touches of paint, applied with an almost tactile intensity, form a chaotic and yet harmonious composition. The background is dominated by a series of dark, swirling spots, evoking an atmosphere of tumultuous movement. These motifs invite the viewer to immerse themselves in a hypnotic visual dance. In the center of the painting, a shape emerges, vaguely tree-like, denoting a striking contrast with the swirling background. This central element, with its earthy and greenish nuances, brings a feeling of life and growth amidst the surrounding tumult. The artist’s technique, using thick, vigorous brushstrokes, captures a raw, almost savage energy. This approach gives the work a palpable vitality, engaging the viewer in a direct dialogue with the materials and the artist’s raw emotions. In sum, this painting is a bold exploration of texture and form, marrying chaos and elegance, and providing a captivating and memorable sensory experience.