François Marius Berthet (1885–1941) Walkers In The Woods

Unusual colors and shapes, a generous use of paint, characterize this mysterious and luxuriant undergrowth by the Marseilles artist François Marius Berthet (1885-1941).
Something captivating emanates from this oil on wood panel depicting a couple supporting each other and picking flowers in a mystical, Garden of Eden-like atmosphere.
The work is presented in a simple frame measuring 36.5 cm x 45 cm, while the panel itself measures 26.5 cm x 35 cm.
In good condition, it is signed in the lower right corner.
An honest and gifted artist, highly regarded by his peers, but unfortunately little known because he died young during the Second World War.

A painter of the Marseilles Canal Bohemian scene, whofollowed in the footsteps of Louis Audibert in the 1920s with thePoteau group, then became associated with the Proletarian Painters group at the Maison de la Culturein 1936.
With his partner Marthe Aquarone, he had left the countryside—"l’Enclos" in Le Merlan—and in 1938 shared a studio at what is now 30 Coursd’Estienne d’Orves (30 Cours du Vieux Port at the time).
They also exhibited together at the Union des Artistes deProvence, Berthet mainly landscapes, seascapes, and drawings, and Aquaronefigures and landscapes. 

A spitting image of Alfred de Musset, helived in Le Merlan and would take a taxi down to Marseille on the good days when hesquandered his funds, and the tram when he was broke, for moneyburned a hole in his pocket.
This exquisite being, of incomparable culture and erudition,nearly was shot in 1917.
Although a soldier in the army, hesent drawings—defeatist in nature—to dissident publications (they existedeven then), but he managed to appease the anger of the Colonel who wanted to send him to the Falotand did not die until 1941, mourned by all the Montparnos of Marseille.