Paul Mathey, Demi Lune, Watercolor on Paper, 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 work presents a nocturnal urban scene, striking with its mysterious and dreamlike atmosphere. On the canvas, the subdued light of the moon barely illuminates a deserted street, giving an almost supernatural atmosphere to the whole. The sky, in its shades of gray and blue, accentuates the impression of calm and serenity. The buildings, with their blurred outlines and pastel hues, seem to blend into the background, as if frozen in time. A central building, darker and imposing, attracts attention and balances the composition with its massive silhouette. The vaguely sketched windows add a touch of mystery, giving free rein to the imagination as to what might be unfolding inside. In the foreground, a few vehicles and human silhouettes can barely be made out, highlighting a city that is alive, even in the tranquility of the night. The bold use of broad, imprecise brushstrokes enriches the visual texture of the painting, evoking urgency and movement despite the apparent tranquility of the scene. This painting impresses with its ability to capture the essence of a city plunged into darkness, while suggesting a story, a suspended moment. It is a decidedly modern work that plays with contrasts of light and darkness, offering a familiar yet intriguing vision of urban life. This piece has an attribution mark,
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