La Baule, les premiers vacanciers de julliet by H. Claude Pissarro

Hugues Claude Pissarro
1935- | French

La Baule, les premiers vacanciers de julliet
(La Baule, the First Holidaymakers of July)

Signed “H. Claude Pissarro” (lower right)
Oil on canvas

A modern, carefree leisure scene populated by scores of beachgoers is the subject of this vibrant oil on canvas by Hugues Claude Pissarro. With its colorful, feathery brushstrokes, the work depicts the stylish seaside resort town of La Baule in southern Brittany, and it is exemplary of the artist's unique style. Like the French Impressionists who influenced him, including his grandfather, the legendary Impressionist Camille Pissarro, H. Claude turned to everyday life for his inspiration, visiting verdant parks and crowded beaches such as this one to create works that were entirely modern in both their subject matter and their style. In the reflection of the sky in the sun-dappled water and the multi-hued vibrancy of the sand and cityscape, Pissarro’s artistic roots are clearly on display. 

The grandson of Camille Pissarro and son of painter Paulémile Pissarro, H. Claude Pissarro seemed destined to pick up the paintbrush, and he did so at a young age. Primarily taught by his father, he exhibited his first works at the young age of 14, and later studied in Paris at the École du Musée du Louvre and École Normale Supérieur. Like many of his family predecessors, the scope of his work and talent is vast, ranging from engraving to lithography and from publishing to painting. His reputation as a painter quickly spread, resulting in a White House commission in 1959 to paint the portrait of President Eisenhower. While his style has evolved throughout his career, he is best known for his brightly colored post-impressionist works like the present piece.

The painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist.

Canvas: 18 1/8" high x 21 5/8" wide
Frame: 25 1/2" high x 29 1/8" wide