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"Le Polo de Bagatelle"

Creator: Gen Paul
Offered by: Arthur T. Kalaher Fine Art

Description
Original watercolor with touches of gouache on archival paper by the very well known and important french artist. Gen Paul. The artwork depicts an action filled polo match with horse and riders. Signed by the artist lower left. Titled and signed verso as well. Circa 1960. Condition is excellent. Overall in its original frame with off white linen mat. Measurements framed are 27 by 32.75 inches. Provenance: Sarasota. Florida estate.

Gen Paul (French, 1895–1975) was a painter and engraver. Born Eugène Paul in Montmartre in Paris, Paul was a largely self-taught artist. During World War I, Paul served in the French army, losing one of his legs. The injury inspired the artist to return to painting, after having shown a talent for drawing as a child. Paul settled in an artistic area of Paris, and over the next few years, held various jobs, and painted in his spare time.

In 1917, he sold works to an antiques dealer, and befriended Juan Gris, who supplied him with painting materials. At the same time, Paul began studying engraving with Eugène Delâtre, and sold his pictures of Montmartre. Beginning in 1920, the artist began exhibiting at the Salon d’Automne and Salon des Indépendants. His expressionistic works displayed a range of influences, including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Vincent van Gogh, Francisco de Goya, and El Greco, and were characterized by rapid brushstrokes, dynamic angles, and distorted figures. Unlike other Expressionists, however, Paul created light, optimistic works full of dramatic movement, considered by some to be a precursor to the action painting of the Abstract Expressionists. He also traveled to the United States, where he painted jazz musicians, becoming legendary for his depictions of artistic life.

In the 1930s, increasing health problems caused by alcoholism, forced the artist to seek treatment. As he recovered, he entered a new phase in his work, emphasizing rhythm and employing strong lines. In 1934, he was named a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur, and was later promoted to Commander of the Légion d’Honneur. In the late 1930s, he was commissioned to paint a fresco for the Palais du Vin at the International Exposition.

In 1945 he entered what is sometimes referred to as his “calligraphic” period, depicting horse races in oil and gouache, and returning to his earlier, expressionistic style.

He died of cancer in Paris at the age of 79

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	France
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Watercolor and gouache on archival paper
Condition:	Excellent
Creation Date:	Circa 1960
Styles / Movements:	Modernism, Contemporary
Incollect Reference #:	521345