Lucien Génin

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Paris

circa 1930s

'Winter in Provence', gouache on art paper, by Raymond Debiève (circa 1970s). There is both beauty and melancholy in this delightfully charming artwork. The artist's naive style is at odds with the refinement, poise and sophistication of the painting. Perhaps the artist was making a statement as well with the broken wall...

'French Boy in Bloomers', gouache on art paper (circa 1960s-70s), by Raymond Debiève. A young boy emerges from a beach cabana wearing a bloomer bathing costume that was still in use ...

Artist Richard Erdoes is as undervalued as he is overlooked. Rarely does an artwork come on that market that combines sharp-witted originality with mind-boggling technical proficiency. In “Mid-Century Expressway,” Erodes painstakingly draws a birds-eye view of a Norman Rockwell-like town buzzing with activity. He paints far away and close up in one image. Each block has its own charming Americana story unfolding. The closer the viewer gets to each scene, the more detail is revealed. In black and white, the artist describes not only the architecture and infrastructure but also human activity - lot's of it. Erodes’s congested town is humming. Overflowing trains, packed busses, zooming cars, stuffed trucks, frenzied pedestrians and even a marching band is depicted with great whit. But do not worry. Progress is coming and all will be well. Superimposed onto this black and white clogged urban scene is a proposed new highway. It's painted in a punchy green and creates an unexpectedly distinct design. The artwork was most likely done for Fortune Magazine or the like. Notice he Esso Gasoline signs...

André Hallet Liège, Belgium 1890 – 1959 Kisenyi, Rwanda Belgian Painter 'The Water Carriers' Signature: signed lower left 'A. Hallet', placed and named on reverse Medium: oil on canvas Dimensions: image size 100 x 80,5 cm, frame size 120,5 x 100,5 cm Biography: Hallet André was born in the Liege in 1890, emerged as a luminary in the world of Belgian post-impressionist painting. His oeuvre, a testament to his profound talent, has graced the walls of over 60 museums worldwide, including the venerable Louvre in Paris, France. Hallet’s artistic repertoire was as expansive as it was breathtaking. He wielded his brush with mastery in a multitude of genres, creating enchanting landscapes, bustling cityscapes, serene garden views, captivating marine scenes, evocative genre depictions, and intimate portraits that breathed life onto his canvases. The journey of André Hallet’s artistry began under the tutelage and guidance of R. Heintz. He honed his craft further at the Academy in Liege. It was in the South of France that Hallet discovered the transcendent allure of light and the sun, infusing his work with a cheerful and impressionistic burst of color. The vibrant hues of his palette mirrored the radiant landscapes he encountered in Flanders and the Mediterranean, from the sun-kissed shores of Southern France to the picturesque vistas of Italy. In 1920, Hallet embarked on a new chapter, working in the enchanting city of Bruges before ultimately settling in Leuven. Each location left its mark on his art, contributing to the rich tapestry of his creative journey. A turning point in Hallet’s life came in 1934 when the Belgian government sent him to Congo. Later, in 1947, he found his home on the shores of Lake Kivu in Kisenyi, present-day Rwanda. It was here that he would spend the remainder of his life, captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of the African landscape. He passed away in 1959, leaving a lasting legacy. During his time in Africa, Hallet forged a deep connection with Tutsi king Mwambi Matura III of Ruanda-Burundi. This relationship inspired a series of exquisitely detailed portraits, offering a glimpse into the regal splendor of the king’s family...