Oil On Panel, Sainte Geneviève By Emile Brunet

Emile BRUNET 1869-1943

Coming from a modest family, his parents dreamed of a place for him in the gas company, to ensure his future.

But Emile, aged 14, wants another, more artistic future.
He joined a decoration company then followed evening classes in fine arts in Bordeaux. He practices an academic art there. His talent catches the eye of an art dealer who finances his trip to Paris.
It was in the studio of Gustave Moreau that Brunet began. Few 19th century painters had as much influence on their students as Gustave Moreau (1826-1898).

Painter, illustrator, symbolist decorator, he is one of the greatest masters of his time. If Emile Brunet developed different styles throughout his career, our works (especially the one in the center) bear the imprint of Gustave Moreau. Brunet thus defines his first works "your form is definitive, while the thought is contemplative".

The artist treats form and pictorial richness as much as the primacy of thought and mystery. At the same time, Brunet began designing the interiors of private mansions and furniture for a time. Here the artist represents Saint Geneviève, patroness of the city of Paris.