Arromanches-les-bains, Seen From Longues-sur-mer - Pierre-edmond Péradon (1893–1981)

Large oil on cardboard depicting a view of Arromanches-les-Bains from Longues-sur-Mer. Signed lower left Pierre-Edmond Péradon (1893–1981). Dimensions: 99 x 72 cm (visible) / 109 x 82 cm (with the frame, to be restored) Pierre-Edmond PERADON was born in Courseulles-sur-Mer on August 3, 1893, into a wealthy family. His father was a senior civil servant and his mother came from a family of wealthy millers. He lived in several cities in France according to his father's transfers. Initially a poet, he later met Fernand Chalandre, painter and engraver, thanks to the magazine "Ombre et Formes". He frequented his studio and observed the artist. He then chose to devote himself to painting, while continuing his activity linked to poetry. However, he abandoned his law studies that he was pursuing in Grenoble. In 1919 and 1920, Pierre-Edmond held his first exhibitions in Nevers. In 1924, he met Marcelle Guntz, a writer under the name Hélène Clairoy. They were both columnists for the literary and artistic magazine "Idéal et Réalité." In 1925, he exhibited in Paris. He married Marcelle Guntz on April 4, 1925, in Paris. A son, Bernard, was born on May 17, 1927. His mother died in 1928. His father retired and settled in his residence in Courseulles-sur-Mer in 1930. Pierre-Edmond also came to live there. He traveled extensively in France in search of landscapes to paint. In 1933 and 1934, he had a studio in Paris and painted the streets of the capital. In 1936, his father died. In 1942 his wife died of cancer. In 1944, Pierre-Edmond was a privileged witness to the landing. He hid in the dunes (which was forbidden) and painted scenes of this gigantic operation. He was taken for a spy. To demonstrate his good faith, he showed his studio. The English and Americans released him and helped themselves to some: they brought home some canvases and watercolors. With the war, financial difficulties arose. Pierre-Edmond was forced to work. He became an accountant for the oyster bed in Courseulles-sur-Mer. But he continued to paint and write. In 1951, his son Bernard married Marie-Thérèse Dethan and continued to live in the large family home in Courseulles-sur-Mer. In 1956 and 1958, a grandson and a granddaughter were born. In 1959, Bernard left his wife and the family home. Pierre-Edmond never saw his son again, who died before him in 1979. In 1977, a road accident took his grandson. Pierre-Edmond PERADON died in Caen on July 4, 1981.