Paul Madeline (1863-1920) The Clearing 1905. Creuse, Crozant School, Guillaumin, Detroy...

A new work by Paul Madeline depicting a clearing in summer 1905, signed by the painter in the lower left corner + on the back the stamp of the 1978 studio sale by Me Blache + an old label where one can see "France and 1905" + inscriptions... The painting alone measures 37x46cm excluding the frame and 56x66cm including the frame. This is a magnificent post-impressionist composition with Fauvist tendencies by Paul Madeline, therefore from 1905; this date seems entirely accurate. This work has been placed in the Île-de-France region in the past, undoubtedly because of the "France," but frankly, it could just as easily be in the Creuse or Brittany. The brushwork is absolutely typical of the artist, as is his palette here made up of mauves, pinks, yellows, soft greens, blue and even a few subtle touches of vermilion red; we understand once again why Madeline was hailed by critics as a "great colorist". Beautiful work by one of the greatest French post-impressionists who very often rivals Guillaumin, Detroy, Maufra or Moret. Today, Paul Madeline is considered as much one of the masters of the Breton school, alongside Moret, Maufra, Delavallée, Legoût-Gérard, and others, as he is one of the masters of the Creuse Valley, alongside Guillaumin, Detroy, Alfred Smith, and Alluaud. Paul Madeline was born in Paris on October 7, 1863. A student at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he worked in a publishing house to support himself and painted urban landscapes in his free time. In 1894, he discovered the Creuse—a charming rural area in the Limousin region—following a meeting with Maurice Rollinat and Léon Detroy at the home of a mutual friend. He exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1894, 1897, and 1899. Later, he was appointed a permanent member of the Salon d'Automne, as well as the Salon de la Nationale des Beaux-Arts. Then came great success for him. He devoted himself entirely to painting and spent several months a year in the Creuse region, usually in the autumn. A major figure among the painters of the Creuse, Paul Madeline, like Alluaud, was one of Armand Guillaumin's followers, drawing inspiration from his palette and technique. But conversely, many other artists were inspired by him, including Clémentine Ballot, perhaps the one who came closest to emulating the master. In 1908, he founded "La Société Moderne" (The Modern Society), which included painters such as Lebasque, Raffaëlli, Aman-Jean, and Maurice Chabas. The Devambez and Durand-Ruel galleries are invited to their annual exhibitions. Madeline traveled extensively in the 1910s, and towards the end of his career, he introduced figures into his landscapes, wearing regional costumes, particularly from Brittany, his second home, where he loved to go as much as to the Creuse region, especially the counties of Douarnenez, Diben, and the Île de Bréhat. He also traveled to Corrèze, Alsace during the First World War, Périgord, and the South of France, notably around Agay. The Salon des Indépendants dedicated a retrospective to him in 1926, six years after his untimely death. Today, his works are highly sought after by collectors worldwide; some sell for over €20,000 and even more! This painting on panel is in very good condition, presented in a rather imposing antique carved gilt frame, which has a few very minor losses. I can also sell this artwork unframed. Artwork guaranteed authentic. P.S.: I have another Paul Madeline painting for sale, this one depicting Brittany; please see my other listing.