Paul Elie Gernez (1888-1948) Port Of Honfleur Drawing And Watercolor

Large painting Watercolor on pencil strokes signed GERNEZ (Paul Elie Gernez 1888-1948 depicting the outer harbor of Honfleur. Work referenced at No. 30502. Note a dedication on the back "Offered by Madame Gernez to Solange Lemaire in souvenirs January 1968 (letter card from Mrs. Gernez 11-1-68). Quality frame in gilded wood and watercolored mat decorated with fillets. Good general condition, dimensions: 68 cm X 52 cm / on view: 48 cm X 32 Paul-Elie Gernez was born on January 27, 1888 in Onnaing, near Valenciennes. He studied in his native village then at the École Supérieure de Valenciennes. showed great versatility from his earliest childhood. A student decorator, then apprentice in earthenware, he drew brilliantly from the age of 13. Painter from the age of 17 he prepares the drawing professorship and after he will obtain a position at the high school of Valenciennes. Then by chance a vacant position leads him to Honfleur. 1917 His first exhibitions. Illustrious painter and pastellist, he is part of the generation of French artists settled in Honfleur in the 20th century He divides his life between Paris and Honfleur, great lover of pastel, he obtains many honorary distinctions during his first exhibitions in 1917. Decorated Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1923, French and foreign museums and galleries jostle to acquire his works until 1942