Pierre Agnès - Studies Of Leaves - Pencil And Gouache - 1913 - Art Deco

"Leaves". Naturalistic study of three leaves: chestnut, plane, and maple, in watercolor. 32.6 x 24.6 cm. Autograph signature "P Agnes" lower right, with the date 1913. Strong gray paper. Ruled edges. Pierre Agnès wrote the names of the trees under the leaves.

A SIGNIFICANT SET

The set we are presenting - 9 watercolored and gouache sheets - are characteristic of Pierre Agnès's early years, in the 1910s. These botanical and ornithological studies offer a magnificent demonstration of the young artist's ability to create stylized ornamental motifs from studies of nature.

This gradual shift from the organic to the geometric contributes to the captivating charm of these leaves. Starting from very advanced natural studies, and by multiplying the points of view (section - plans - top view ...), Agnès draws a stylized decorative repertoire notably intended for the creation of wallpapers.

These works are also quite characteristic of these years of transition between Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

PIERRE AGNÈS (1898-1964)

Born in Maisons-Laffitte in the last years of the 19th century, Pierre Agnès grew up with a father who was an artistic ironworker. In 1913, he joined the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. A training in which he excelled but which was interrupted by the war, during which he volunteered from 1916.

Returning to civilian life, he continued his career, and worked as a draftsman and decorator in Paris and the Paris region, while continuing his painted work during his leisure time. He exhibited at the Salon des Beaux-Arts between 1930 and 1932 and then at the Salon des Indépendants in 1948 and 1949. Pierre Agnès devoted a large part of his painted work to Brittany, its lights and its customs.