Louis Valtat

Portrait of Madame Susanne, the Artist’s Wife

Louis Valtat was identified by Ambroise Vollard as one of the most exciting painters working in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. On Renoir’s advice, Vollard agreed with Valtat to purchase almost all of the artist’s work for the first decade of the 20th century (1902–12) and to become his dealer and agent. The relationship was a fruitful one; Vollard went on to organize Valtat’s first solo exhibition at his gallery and submitted Valtat’s works to other exhibitions in Paris. In 1927, Louis Valtat was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur, which was considered the premier order of France. Throughout his career, Valtat remained true to his unique style and was never completely associated with a particular art movement, but influenced by many. Today, his works are found in important collections around the globe, including the Hermitage (St. Petersburg), the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum (Madrid), the Musée des Beaux-Art (Bordeaux) and many others.