André Béronneau (1886-1973) - Weelderige chrysanten

This is an extraordinarily atmospheric and powerful masterpiece by the French artist André Béronneau (1896-1973). The work is sold with the original monumental antique wooden Baroque frame, with a lived-in, rustic appearance.

This bouquet of lavish chrysanthemums immediately draws the eye with its fabulous depth and tangible energy. Béronneau here masterfully employed impasto technique. The oil paint is applied in rich, thick layers on the canvas, making the petals appear almost three-dimensionally emerging from the background. In particular, the central white and pale-gold flowers capture the light in a brilliant way.

This painting transcends the traditional still life. The loose, dynamic brushwork gives the bouquet a palpable liveliness and drama. It is a beautiful "statement piece" that serves as an absolute focal point in both a classical and an eclectically modern interior.

Bottom right, the painting is authentically signed by the master himself.

- Artist: André Béronneau (1896-1973)
- Medium: Oil painting on canvas
- Title: Luxuriant chrysanthemums
- Style: Post-Impressionism
- Year: 1945
- Dimensions: 50 x 60 cm (frameless); 66 x 78 cm (with frame)
- Signed: bottom right + nameplate
- Sold with frame

Biography:

André Béronneau was a prominent French Post-Impressionist painter who enjoyed great renown during the first half of the 20th century. He is primarily known as a master in capturing the French landscape and maritime scenes.

André Béronneau was born in Bordeaux, France. From an early age he showed exceptional talent for painting, which led him to study at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

During World War I, Béronneau presumably served at the front in Macedonia (part of the French troops around Thessaloniki), as evidenced by the rare watercolors he made there of local mosques and landscapes. After the war he settled permanently into the French art world.

Although he received an academic training at the Beaux-Arts, Béronneau developed a distinctly looser style that was strongly influenced by Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. He drew inspiration from the great masters of light and texture. His technique is characterized by the use of a palette knife and the impasto technique, whereby paint was applied in thick, expressive layers to create relief.

Béronneau was a respected member of the Parisian art elite and exhibited for decades on the major stages. He frequently showed at the Salon des Indépendants between 1925 and 1935. In addition, he participated in leading annual Paris salons such as the Salon d’Hiver and the Salon des Artistes Français.

He was repeatedly officially recognized with prestigious prizes, including the Médaille d'Argent (Silver Medal) at the Salon d’Hiver and the Prix Fargeon, awarded by the jury of the Salon des Artistes Français.