Jacques De Saint Seine (1897 - 1972), “traditional African Dance Around The Fire”

Mixed media on paper – 49.5 × 32.5 cm (unframed). Signed lower right: J. de SS. A vibrant evocation of an African ritual dance scene, this composition testifies to the artist's fascination with the cultures and traditions of the African continent, which he explored extensively during his numerous stays there. In this work, the light of the fire illuminates the moving bodies, revealing a remarkable mastery of rhythm, color, and gesture. The warm tones, combined with an expressive and free brushstroke, convey both the vitality of the scene and the sensitivity of the artist's gaze upon the peoples he encountered. J. de SS, a traveling painter and humanist, became known in the 1950s for his profound interest in non-European cultures, particularly African ones. His work follows in the tradition of the great explorer-artists of the 20th century, combining ethnographic observation with pictorial research. Influenced by Post-Impressionism and the Colorist movements, he developed a personal style where energetic brushstrokes meet the warmth of the subject, creating an atmosphere that is both poetic and vibrant. This painting perfectly illustrates his approach: paying homage to the beauty and spirituality of African traditions, while expressing a universal emotion.