Andre Hallet (1890-1959) - Pan Playing, Surrounded By Animals

"Andre Hallet (1890-1959) - Pan playing, surrounded by animals" André Hallet (Liège 1890- Kisenyi 1959) pastel on paper. Condition: good condition, pinholes and small losses in the corners. The drawing is not signed but comes from a folder from his studio collection that is attached in a photo. André Hallet, initially destined for an industrial career, joined the Academy of Fine Arts in Liège at the age of 24. After a period of travel in Europe, he discovered Africa in 1934. Settling on the shores of Lake Kivu in 1947, he painted there until his death in 1959. Our work presents Pan, in profile, playing his flute in a tropical forest landscape, and surrounded by African animals: antelopes, monkey, peacock, snake. We also find a woman sketched at his feet. With this drawing, André Hallet mixes cultures: Pan, a half-man, half-goat god from ancient Greek mythology, and animals from African fauna, the place where he lived for part of his life. The use of these shimmering colors gives the whole a dreamlike atmosphere.