The Bouquet, Augustin Carrera (1878-1952)

Oil on canvas
signed lower right and dated 1910
73 X 60 cm without frame
Augustin CARRERA was born in Madrid in 1878 and died in Paris in 1952It was in Marseilles where his parents settled that he studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts then at the Ecole de Beaux-Arts in Paris as a student of Bonnat and Henri Martin. A very gifted student, he was noticed as a talented artist. From 1904 he exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français and in 1910 obtained his exhibition at the Druet gallery. He also participated in the Salon des Indépendants then the Tuilleries where nudes, portraits, flowers and southern landscapes were exhibited. Thanks to a friendship with a politician collector, he made a trip to the Far East where he brought back new compositions, landscapes and temples. The King of Cambodia commissioned him to design decorations for his palace. Back in France, he received some fine commissions, including the ceiling of the foyer of the Marseille Opera. In 1937, he received the gold medal at the International Exhibition. His works were sought after by collectors. CARRERA was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1920 and an Officer in 1928. CARRERA admired Gauguin, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Monet, who would have a great influence on his work. His paintings show us the richness of his entire palette.

Augustin Carrera was a great colorist; his touch was lively and luminous, and a beautiful harmony reigned with finesse.

Museums: Marseille, Musée d'Art Moderne, Musée du quai Branly