Charles Walch (1896-1948) Saint-paul De Vence

Charles WALCH (1896-1948) Saint-Paul de Vence Oil on canvas, sbd 54x65cm 76x86cm framed (slight restoration on the back) Charles Walch, born August 4, 1896 in Thann (Alsace) and died December 12, 1948 in Paris, is a French painter, engraver and sculptor. After his studies, he became a fabric designer. In 1916, he met the doctor-major Paul Bonnet, a painting lover who would encourage him to persevere. Thanks to him, Walch obtained a scholarship which allowed him to settle in Paris and enroll in Decorative Arts. In 1923, he exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants d'Alsace and became a drawing teacher. From 1929, he moved to rue Borromée (15th arrondissement) in Paris in a workshop and remained there all his life. His work was only noticed in 1934 by the critic Georges Besson, who then became his friend and supported him. In 1937, Charles Walch began to receive awards (gold medal from the Universal Exhibition in Paris) and to make a living from his art when the Second World War disrupted his life. With the debacle of 1940, he left for Creuse, very affected by the defeat of France. Despite everything, his early fame attracted other painters to him, such as Georges Rouault, François Desnoyer, Jean Bazaine and Marcel Gromaire. In 1941, Charles Walch participated in the exhibition of “Twenty young painters of French tradition” organized by Bazaine, the first exhibition of avant-garde painting under the Occupation. From then on, he found his place at the Salon d'Automne of 1942 and in 1944 he created a flamboyant rooster which would serve as a poster for this show. Charles Walch is named knight of the Legion of Honor. He died suddenly of one on December 12, 1948, while he was painting in his Parisian studio.