Puvis de Chavannes, Pierre
Puvis de Chavannes, Pierre
Puvis de Chavannes, Pierre
Born Dec. 14, 1824, in Lyon; died Oct. 24, 1898, in Paris. French painter.
Puvis de Chavannes studied in Paris with A. Scheffer and T. Couture. Under the influence of J. Ingres, T. Chassériau, and the masters of the Italian quattrocento, he devoted himself mainly to monumental decorative painting. His mature work, which combines classical and romantic elements, is a variant of symbolism yet in many ways anticipates the art nouveau style.
Puvis de Chavannes’s murals include scenes inspired by the artist’s conception of the golden age of antiquity and of the “pure” religiosity of the Middle Ages. The artist also painted allegorical scenes of the seasons, the trades, and the arts and sciences. His murals are noted for their balanced and static composition, strict linear rhythm, and soft chiaroscuro. There is a tendency toward two-dimensionality and the generalization of form. The figures are marked by a certain conventionality, and their grace and simple gestures are reminiscent of classicism. The artist’s palette consists of pearly, muted tones and attempts to achieve the tonality of a fresco.
Puvis de Chavannes’s principal works include the cycle The Story of St. Geneviève (1874–98, Paris Pantheon), Allegory of Arts and Sciences (1887–89, Sorbonne, Paris), and The Inspiring Muses Acclaiming Genius as Messenger of Light (1893–95, Boston Public Library).
REFERENCES
Tugendkhol’d, Ia. Puvis de Chavannes. St. Petersburg [no date].Werth, L. Puvis de Chavannes. [Paris, 1926.]
T. I. VOLODINA