Emile Othon Friesz (1879-1949), Romeo And Juliet

Emile Othon Friesz (1879-1949) Romeo and Juliet Oil on canvas signed lower rightDimension: 38 x 46 cmDimension with frame: 56 x 64 cmThe costume and the staging made us think of a Shakespearean play, in particular the moment when Romeo discovers Juliet “dead” in the tomb, just before committing suicide. The posture of the woman and the attitude of the male character reinforce this reading. Although he is not known for his treatment of literary subjects, there is a work by the artist in Indian ink, wash and charcoal that deals with Lady Capulet, the Nurse and Juliet.Bibliography: Émile-Othon Friesz was a French painter born in Le Havre on February 6, 1879 and died in Paris on January 10, 1949. He is mainly known for having been a member of the Fauvist movement, although he evolved towards a more classical style during his career. Beginnings and training: Friesz came from a family with a long maritime tradition, but he turned towards art. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Le Havre, where he met Raoul Dufy, another future Fauve. Together, they continued their training in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts, in the studio of Léon Bonnat. Fauvist Period: Around 1905, Friesz traveled to the south of France (particularly Collioure), where he was deeply influenced by Henri Matisse and André Derain. He adopted the bright colors and simplified forms characteristic of Fauvism, a movement that rejected naturalism for a more emotional expression of color. He exhibited in 1905 in the famous "Cage aux Fauves" at the Salon d'Automne with Matisse, Derain, Vlaminck, etc. and quickly achieved success, exhibiting regularly at major Parisian and European salons. Stylistic Evolution: After a few years in the wake of the Fauves, Friesz evolved towards a more structured and classical style, influenced by Cézanne. He became more interested in composition and drawing, which distanced him from the freer principles of pure Fauvism. Career and Recognition: Friesz exhibited at numerous salons, notably the Salon d'Automne and the Salon des Indépendants. He also taught at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris, training several young artists. Death: Émile-Othon Friesz died in Paris in 1949 at the age of 69. His work is now exhibited in several French and international museums, and he remains a leading figure in the transition between Impressionism, Fauvism, and the more classical movements of the 20th century.