Collection: Puvis de Chavannes Pierre

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes was a French artist who had a major influence on Symbolism in France, although he never formally identified with the movement. He became known for his decorative monumental painting and painted on canvas glued to the wall, which gave the impression of mural pictures with matte colors. He avoided distinct perspective effects and strong colors to preserve the impression of flatness. Puvis de Chavanne's style was characterized by simplified forms, rhythmic contours and lines. He rejected realism and impressionism's focus on hectic everyday life and created art that was timeless and reflective. His landscapes were often populated by statue-like figures in classical poses, and his subjects often had an allegorical and dreamlike effect with themes drawn from antiquity. Although Puvis de Chavannes drew inspiration from classicism and romanticism, he was considered a pioneer of a new form of expression with his symbolic imagery. He was a major source of inspiration for several Post-Impressionists and Symbolists, including Georges Seurat, Paul Gauguin and Maurice Denis. Puvis de Chavannes executed an impressive series of interior decorations, including the major work Scenes from the History of St. Geneviève (1874-1879) in the Panthéon in Paris and the decoration of the library in Boston (installed 1895-1896). Among his relatively few easel pictures, Kvinner ved Havet (1879) and The Poor Fisherman (1881) are worth mentioning. The National Museum/National Gallery in Oslo owns his work Orpheus (1896).