'Men in Suits and Bowlers' by Michel Néron (1977)

'Men in Suits and Bowlers' by Michel Néron (1977). A captivating composition by French painter Michel Néron, this 1977 oil painting on board presents four formally dressed men—each rendered in Néron’s distinctive, pared-back figurative style. With a subdued, earthy palette and flattened perspective, the work evokes a quiet sense of mystery, its subjects seemingly suspended in time. The simplified forms and somber tones echo the restrained aesthetic of 20th-century modernism, while the bowler hats and stylised expressions hint at Surrealist influences, particularly René Magritte (1898-1967).

The figures, arranged in an almost theatrical tableau, encourage speculation: are they businessmen, bureaucrats, or a symbolic fraternity? The ambiguity is part of the painting's intrigue. An enigmatic piece, this work invites contemplation and would lend interest to any interior. The painting is in good overall condition and has been newly framed with a French-style linen slip. This gallery acquired the artwork unframed. On the back of the board, the artist's name appeared along with the date of creation (1977) which is now covered by the new frame and backing. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video will be provided.

Dimensions with Frame:

H 36 cm / 14.2"

W 44.5 cm / 17.5"

Dimensions without Frame:

H 22.5 cm / 8.9"

W 31.5 cm / 12.4"

About the Artist: Michel Néron (born 1931) is a French architect and painter known for his figurative compositions that blend narrative restraint with a modernist sensibility. His works often feature simplified forms, muted tones, and introspective subjects, conveying a poetic stillness that nods to both metaphysical painting and postwar abstraction. Though less widely known internationally, Néron's works have found a dedicated following among collectors drawn to his quietly surreal yet grounded vision of the world.