Maurice Brianchon, La Plage Normande, Circa 1950

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This artwork titled "La Plage Normande" c.1950 is an original color lithograph on Arches paper by noted French artist Maurice … Read more This artwork titled "La Plage Normande" c.1950 is an original color lithograph on Arches paper by noted French artist Maurice Brianchon, 1899-1979. It is hand signed and numbered XV/XX in pencil by the artist. The image size is 18.5 x 15.5 inches, framed size is 30.5 x 26 inches. Custom framed in a wooden black and gold frame, with gold color spacer and fabric matting. It is in excellent condition.

About the artist:

Maurice Brianchon was born in 1899, in the town of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe. Very early on, he showed many plastic predispositions. As a result, he was accepted in 1917 at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris and joined the studio of Fernand Cormon, renowned for his history painting. A year later, he moved to the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs. There he followed the education of Paul Renouard - a painter and engraver renowned for his portraits and figures of dancers - and that of Eugène Edouard Morand, a teacher since 1908. In this context, he frequented artists such as Joseph Inguimberty, or Roland Oudot, painter and lithographer, producing engravings, murals, theatre sets and book illustrations. He became friends with Raymond Legueult. He also met François Desnoyer, a figurative painter of the early 20th century, whose artistic production tended towards Fauvism and Cubism, and Jacques Adnet, a furniture designer known for his contribution to French modernism.
In 1919, his work was presented for the first time at the Salon d'Automne - an art exhibition held annually since 1903 - providing opportunities for young artists. During a trip to Belgium and the Netherlands, while surveying the cities of Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges and Amsterdam, the artist discovered the great figures of Dutch and Flemish painting. Having completed his training in Decorative Arts, he became a member of the committee of the Salon d'Automne in 1922. Brianchon then settles in a Parisian studio, which he shares with his friend Raymond Legueult. With him, he created the costumes for Grisélidis, at the Paris Opera, as well as the sets for the ballet La Naissance de la lyre, in 1925. The same year, he was appointed professor at the École Estienne in Paris, then at the École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs in Paris in 1936. His artistic production was honoured by the Carnegie Institution of Washington, a scientific research foundation founded in 1902,: he received the Garden Club Prize.
In this context, his work is gaining increasing renown. However, when the Second World War broke out, Brianchon, like many of his confreres, was mobilized. He is devoted to the camouflage section of the French army. His courage and actions were then rewarded by the insignia of the Legion of Honour, a ribbon consecrating his talent and actions during the occupation.
Subsequently, in 1949, the artist was nominated professor at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His work was noticed by the President of the Republic, Vincent Auriol, a fervent admirer of the artist, who regularly invited him to the private and official receptions he gave at the Élysée Palace. These events provide inspiration for a number of subjects, which Brianchon does not hesitate to translate on his canvases. During these events, he multiplies preparatory sketches, intended to produce finished paintings. The President of the Republic chose to reward Brianchon's work at the Paris Opera, notably the design of the sets and costumes for the Aubade ballet in 1952. He was awarded the insignia of Officer of the Legion of Honour.
His work, gaining international fame, attracts the United Kingdom. He was appointed by the Directorate of Arts and Letters to take part in the ceremonies of the coronation of Elizabeth II, to which he dedicated 8 paintings. A few years later, accompanied by his wife, Maurice Brianchon set off to explore the streets of New York in search of new sponsors. It is in the gallery David B. Findlay, that he chose to deposit thirty paintings, on the occasion of an exclusive exhibition. Deeply marked by the aesthetics of this oversized city, he endeavours to retranscribe these immense skyscrapers in his productions. Upon his return to France, Maurice Brianchon became a member of the Société des Peintres Graveurs Français.
After New York, the painter chose to exhibit in Japan in 1969. Indeed, a Japanese gallery owner.
His paintings can be found in many private and public collections, not least the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris.Continue Reading See less