Landscape, René Seyssaud (1867–1952), A Pioneer Of Fauvism.

Oil on canvas depicting a landscape, signed by René Seyssaud (1867–1952), a Provençal painter, pre-
cursor of Fauvism, and member of the Nouvelle École d’Avignon. Very early 20th century, circa 1905.
Private collection.
In perfect condition.
Dimensions: h. 55.5 cm x w. 68.5 cm.
We present this oil on canvas by the iconic Provençal painter, featuring colors
taken from life that reveal a vigorous brushstroke as well as the use of warm tones characteristic
of the Fauvist movement.
Background:
Although the son of a family from the Vaucluse, he was born on June 15, 1867, in Marseille, where his father was
a lawyer. After his father enrolled him in the Beaux-Arts, upon his father’s death, he went to live with his grandparents in Avignon
, who enrolled him in the art school there, where he studied under Pierre Grivolas.
He stood out for his powerful temperament and his bold palette of vivid colors,
which led him to be regarded as a precursor of Fauvism. His first major exhibition
took place in 1892 at the Salon des Indépendants in Paris. He then debuted at the Salon d’Automne
and the Salon des Tuileries. His marriage in 1899 gave him the opportunity to settle in Villes-sur-
Auzon, where he chose Mont Ventoux and the Nesque Gorges as subjects for his paintings.
In 1904, he moved to Saint-Chamas, where his studio overlooked the Étang de Berre.
At the urging of his friends Chabaud and Serra, he was made an Officer of the Legion of Honor and passed away
in Saint-Chamas on September 24, 1952.
His likeness is preserved in the portrait painted by Pierre Ambrogiani, which is housed at the
Paul-Lafran Municipal Museum in Saint-Chamas.
Nîmes Museum of Fine Arts, Palais des Arts in Marseille, Ziem Museum in Martigues, Saint-Pierre Chapel in Saint-Chamas, Auguste Chabaud Regional Museum in Graveson-en-Provence.