René Seyssaud (1867–1952) The Port Of Cassis In 1895

A work created in the 19th century, in 1895, and already resolutely modern.
Looking at this painting, one can better understand why, during his second exhibition in Paris at Vollard’s gallery in 1899, his art provoked the most vigorous reactions in the press.
For, as one critic of the time wrote, it brings “an entirely new tone.”
“These are,” says another,speaking of his paintings, “spontaneous works that owe nothing to anyone and, consequently, will be appreciated by those who love the courage and energetic candor of a man who has had no master and does notwish to have a boss.”
Not to mention the great Henri Matisse, who said that Seyssaud had opened all doors for them.
A great artist of modern art and a pioneer of Fauvism.
The work is painted in oil on canvas and is presented in a modern, natural oak shadow box frame measuring 55cm by 78.5 cm, with the canvas itself measuring 49 cm by 72.5 cm.
In good condition, with only very slight craquelure in the paint, which is normal for a work from this period.
It depicts two tartans in the port of Cassis, one white one viewed from the front, and the other blue one in profile.
Unsigned, but a certificate from Claude Jeanne Bonnici—an expert on the artist and author of several books dedicated to René Seyssaud as well as the catalog raisonné in which this painting will be included—accompanies the painting.
An extraordinary, bold, and modern work that will shine equally well in both contemporary and classical interiors.

A pioneer of Fauvism and a member of the Nouvelle École d’Avignon in 1892, Seyssaud submitted works to the Indépendants as well as to the Champs de Mars.
He exhibited at the Salon d’Automne from its inception, at the Parc de Bouteville in 1897, and in 1899 at Vollard’s gallery.
He achieved all the success he had hoped for.

Vollard offered Seyssaud a contract, but Seyssaud, out of loyalty to his friend and Marseille-based art dealer François Honnorat, declined.
In 1901, he began exhibiting annually at Bernheim Jeune.
Like Vollard, Bernheim Jeune offered to manage his interests.
Seyssaud again chose to reject this partnership, however lucrative it might have been.
After 1911, Seyssaud stopped exhibiting at Bernheim and chose instead to exhibit at Rosemberg (1914), Druet (1924), (1927), Printz (1929), Georges Petit (1930), Javal and Boudeaix (1933), and Printz (1933).
He exhibited in Marseille in 1905, 1907, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1928, 1947, 1949.
In Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Tunis, etc...
In America in 1947.
Seyssaudparticipated in official exhibitions in Berlin (1903), Amsterdam (1912), Barcelona (1917, 1929), New York (1929), Wiesbaden (1921), Ghent (1922), Stockholm (1923), Geneva (1923, 1942), Turin (1951), the Colonial Exhibition in Marseille (1922), the Paris International Exhibition (1937), the of Marseille (1949), Menton Biennial (1951), Cantini Museum (1954), Zurich (1955), Galliera Museum (1956), Oxford, London, Edinburgh (1957), Aix-en-Provence, Festival (1957).
His works were acquired by the French government for the Luxembourg Museum (1903, 1904, 1921, 1927, 1929, 1930).
His works were alsoacquired by the museums of Marseille (1908, 1919), Lyon (1924), and Avignon (1920), the Bouches-du-Rhône Prefecture (1933), the City Hall of Saint-Chamas (1909), the National Museum of Modern Art (1957).
His works are on display at the Petit Palais, the Museum of Modern Art, the Léon Dierx Museum (Reunion Island), and in Moscow.
Also in Dijon, Nîmes, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Grenoble, Montpellier, Albi, etc...
He has received various medals and awards.
Amongothers, the Gold Medal at the 1937 International Exposition in Paris,the Medal of the City of Marseille in 1947, and the Grand Prix of the French Provinces in 1951 at the Menton Biennale.
Seyssaud had been an Officer of the Legion of Honor since 1947.
Among the posthumous
retrospective exhibitions were those at the Calvet Museum (1953), the Cantini Museum (1954), the Salon d’Automne, Château d’Arbon in Switzerland (1955), and the Galliera Museum.
His paintings are included in the collections of Gustave Geffroy, Frantz Jourdain, Vollard, Georges Feydeau, Sacha Guitry, Armand Dayot, Lucien Poincaré, Maurice Sarraut, Albert Sarraut, Paulhan, Bernheim, Estaunié, Descaves, Morsolf, Fernand Bouisson, Drouant, André Marie, the Marquis de Biron, the Princess de la Tour d’Auvergne, de Wagram, etc.