Georges Garbaye (1892-1979) Lot Valley

Georges GARBAYE
(Paris 1892 - Figeac 1979)
Vallée du Lot
Gouache and graphite on paper
H. 33 cm ; L. 25 cm
Signed lower left . Titled and countersigned on the back.

Provenance : Private collection, Lot

Georges-Louis Garbaye was born at his parents' home in the 17^e arrondissement of Paris on rue Léon Cogniet. His profession was therefore predestined... After taking part in the Great War, he entered the Beaux-Arts de Paris and a few years later became a drawing teacher for the City of Paris. In 1946, he even became Inspector of Drawing in all the capital's schools, a position he held until his retirement.

His work, parallel to his profession, can be found in numerous salons, where he exhibited landscapes of Brittany as well as the Lot. This link with the Lot is not identified, although he is considered a local by journalists. He often appeared in press articles alongside Lucien de Maleville, who painted a few dozen kilometers away.

Garbaye died in Figeac in the Lot, and was buried alongside his wife in the Aveyron.

Our gouache, perched on the limestone cliffs of the Lot describes the winding course of the river, flanked by the Italian poplars that pay homage to it. The shrubs, dark, sturdy bushes, cling to the crevices on the outskirts of this rocky plateau, taking up a large part of the composition.