Paul Mathey, Geneva Countryside, 1925, Oil on Canvas, Framed

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Paul Albert Mathey is the son of Charles and Elisa Beaujon. Orphaned at 14, he was taken in by an … Read more Paul Albert Mathey is the son of Charles and Elisa Beaujon. Orphaned at 14, he was taken in by an uncle and spent his childhood in New York. In 1931, he married Claire-Lise Monnier, a painter like him. They have exhibited together several times. Between 1905 and 1910, he took evening classes at the Art Student's League in New York. From 1910 to 1916, he attended the School of Fine Arts in Geneva and was a pupil of Barthélemy Menn. During this period, he received several awards and mentions. In 1916-1917, he worked with Ferdinand Hodler. In 1918, he became a member of the Society of Swiss Painters, Sculptors and Architects (he participated in all of its exhibitions until 1967) and of the Gottfried Keller Foundation (1954-1961). He mainly painted landscapes and still lifes. He also made some theater sets in Geneva. In 1967, he became a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. A large part of his works can be found at the Monnier Foundation in Cartigny.

This captivating work depicts a rural landscape, rich in details and subtle nuances that evoke the tranquility and grandeur of nature. The painting depicts a vast panorama of countryside dominated by rolling hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. In the foreground, a winding path crosses the scene, bordered by bare trees which, despite their nudity, add a lively dimension to the painting. The color palette, comprised of muted greens, earthy browns, and cloudy grays, conveys an atmosphere that is both serene and melancholy. The fields extend, fragmented into irregular plots, punctuated here and there with small groves of trees. On the horizon, we can see a series of white buildings, evoking the discreet human presence at the heart of this omnipresent nature. The dramatic sky, laden with heavy clouds, contrasts with the tranquility of the earth, creating a visual tension that immediately catches the eye. The brushstrokes, both precise and expressive, demonstrate impressive technical mastery, adding movement and depth to the whole. This landscape is remarkable for its ability to capture not only the appearance, but also the essence of a timeless rural scene, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the subtle beauty of a seemingly ordinary yet deeply evocative place. This piece has an attribution mark,
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