The Garden Painting by Charles Kvapil, 1930s

Le Jardin' ('The Garden'), oil on canvas, by Charles Kvapil (circa 1930s). This luscious oil painting depicts the serene garden of the artist's own residence in Villiers-sur-Morin, outside of Paris. The delicately painted figure, perhaps his wife, is tidying up the walkway of the garden, as one did in those days - in a dress. We know that Monet was able to delight the world of art lovers with vibrant paintings of his garden in Giverny. Kvapil, in his own way, portrayed his own home's garden with equal tenderness. His love of home is evident in his use of confident brush strokes and rich, lush colouring, particularly in the deep green of the foliage. This work is in good vintage condition with original frame. About the Artist : Charles Kvapil (1884 - 1957) was born in Antwerp, Belgium. He was known largely as a figure painter, particularly for his depictions of nudes and bathers which bore the influence of Courbet. Paul Cézanne was also a strong influence on his style. He studied at the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Antwerp before becoming known to the Parisian public at the Salon des Indépendants of 1920. Kvapil set up a studio in Montmartre, in the Hameau des Artistes, between Rue Lepic and Avenue Junot (which is where he died in 1957). He also painted in the countryside like the Impressionists. Kvapil's paintings are creative and modern; his nudes and bouquets of flowers are energetic and powerful. His palette can be rich in cobalt blues and in fiery earth tones. His technique is intuitive and confident. The renowned critic, Béran, wrote of the richness and the pure joie de vivre of his painting. His work delivered no message other than a passionate love of nature; his robust love of life and realism as his painting style firmly places him in the tradition of Flemish painters. Today, Kvapil is represented in many public and private collections including the Modern Art Museums in Paris, Le Havre, Rouen, Saint Etienne, Amsterdam, and Tunis and his works are sold in the world's major auction houses. Dimensions with frame: H 81 cm (31.9'') W 94 cm (37'') Dimensions without frame : H 58.5 cm (23'') W 71.5 cm (28.1'')