André Mare (1885 - 1932) — Horses

Horses
Watercolor on paper, signed lower right.
22 x 29 cm

André Mare: An Aesthete at the Heart of the 20th Century

André Mare, born on May 31, 1885, in Argentan, Normandy, and died on November 3, 1932, in Paris, was a major French artist of the early 20th century. A painter, decorator, interior designer, and set designer, he is best known for his central role in the development of the Art Deco style.
André Mare first studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Caen, then at the École des Arts Décoratifs, and finally at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. From the outset, he was interested in the fusion of art and decoration, seeking to break down the barriers between the so-called “major” and “minor” arts. In 1912, he participated in the Salon de la Société des Artistes Décorateurs, where he caused a sensation with his bold, Cubism-influenced designs, notably through his collaboration with artists such as Fernand Léger.
Mobilized during the First World War, Mare was assigned to the French army's camouflage section, which he helped to found. There, he applied the principles of Cubism to create concealment techniques on the battlefield, combining art and military tactics. He also brought back numerous sketches and powerful watercolors, sensitive testimonies to the war. After the war, André Mare co-founded the Compagnie des Arts Français with Louis Süe in 1919. Together, they became key figures in Art Deco, a movement that valued luxury, modernity, and refined craftsmanship. Their style combined geometric lines, precious materials, and revisited classical inspirations. He created many prestigious decorations, notably for the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, which gave its name to the “Art Deco” style.
André Mare died prematurely in 1932, at the age of 47, from cancer. Despite his short career, he left a deep mark on the history of French decorative arts. His work is characterized by a sense of detail, a constant search for harmony, and a spirit of innovation. An iconic figure of Art Deco, André Mare embodies the spirit of a time when art was meant to be total, encompassing painting as well as interior architecture, furniture, and scenography.
Today, his creations are still on display in many museums, notably the Musée d'Orsay, and continue to inspire designers around the world.