Paul Mathey, Les grives, 1941, Oil on Cardboard, 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 fascinating work is a striking still life that immediately grabs the viewer's attention with its bold use of texture and color palette. Against a gray backdrop, two birds lie motionless, captured with remarkable precision. The energetic brushstrokes and impasto create a sense of frozen movement, reinforcing the idea of ​​a moment suspended in time. The palette of neutral hues, dominated by shades of gray, brown and white, gives the scene an atmosphere that is both dramatic and serene. This contrast is accentuated by the presence of the round shapes of a nest or eggs arranged next to the birds, adding a dimension of life cycle and relentless nature. The skillful use of light and shadow gives the elements of the composition an almost sculptural depth and structure. The refinement of the work lies in its ability to evoke complex emotions with an economy of means. Each brushstroke is loaded with meaning, evoking the fragility of life and the beauty in mortality. This painting engages the viewer in reflection on the duality of nature and the timeless themes of life and death. In sum, this work is a celebration of technical mastery and emotional depth, a true homage to the traditional genre of still life. This piece has an attribution mark,
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