Femme et enfant

Hugues Claude Pissarro (b. 1935)

Femme et enfant
Pastel: 9 1/2 x 14 1/4 inches
Framed: 18 3/4 x 23 1/2 inches
signed

Provenance:
Alexander Kahan Fine Arts, New York
Private collection, New bJersey

Hugues Claude Pissarro, professionally recognized as H. Claude Pissarro, boasts a distinguished lineage as the grandson of the renowned Impressionist artist Camille Pissarro and the son of Paulémile Pissarro. His roots trace back to Neuilly-sur-Seine, where he was immersed in an artistic environment, inevitably shaping his formative years with a constant presence of brushes in hand. In continuation of the family tradition initiated by Camille Pissarro, H. Claude’s father frequently led his son on painting expeditions, often joined by a multitude of artistic acquaintances, profoundly influencing his artistic development.

Under the guidance of his father, H. Claude’s first exhibition was at the youthful age of fourteen. Subsequently, he pursued art education in the esteemed institutions of Paris, most notably the École Normale Supérieure, an exclusive French establishment dedicated to the pursuit of academic excellence, accessible only to the academic elite. Additionally, he delved into the realm of art restoration under the guidance of Henri Linard, the head of the laboratory at the Musée du Louvre. It was inevitable that this educational background would lead him to become a professor of art for much of his professional life and in 1963 he accepted an official invitation to teach art in Monaco.

Throughout his illustrious teaching career, H. Claude maintained his prolific artistic output, gracing exhibitions in both Paris and London. In line with the artistic legacy of his family, his work encompasses engraving, lithography, publishing, landscape painting, and portraiture. Notably, in 1959, he received the prestigious commission to paint a portrait of President Eisenhower.


H. Claude’s artistic evolution spans a diverse range of styles and techniques, including abstract, avant-garde, minimalist, and conceptual art. However, he has garnered the most recognition for his distinctive Post-Impressionist creations, which have enjoyed global acclaim since 1985.

As the son of Paulémile and the grandson of Camille Pissarro, H. Claude’s artistic expressions reveal influences drawn from the broader currents of post-impressionism. His unique employment of pastels imparts a singular quality to his work, an attribute not replicated by any other artist, conceivably due to the meticulous craftsmanship involved.

While H. Claude has called Ireland home for nearly three decades, the subjects of his artwork predominantly spring from his native France, a land teeming with aesthetic wonders. French villages, expansive landscapes, tranquil river scenes, captivating coastal vistas, and bustling urban panoramas have all been his favored subjects. Undoubtedly, his works capturing the essence of Paris are among the most coveted by collectors. On occasion, he succumbs to the allure of Venice or London, two cities he holds in deep affection.

Within his Post-Impressionist compositions, H. Claude endeavors to encapsulate the allure of a bygone romantic era, a world long vanished, where horse-drawn carriages thronged the streets and automobiles represented a new frontier. His portrayals of figures adorned in 19th-century attire serve as a portal to a nostalgic journey through time.

H. Claude’s artistic creations have found their way into collections worldwide, a testament to his enduring passion and unwavering dedication. Remarkably, in his 87th year, he continues to paint with undiminished fervor, making art an integral facet of his life's journey.