'Still Life with Crab' by André LeMaitre (1951)

'Still Life with Crab', oil on board, by André Lemaître (1951). As an artist based in Northern France's Normandy, Lemaître painted many works in the countryside, still lifes such as this one, as well as portraits. In Normandy, overlooking the Mont St. Michel bay, is a popular resort for Parisians and English alike. Famously, Christian Dior lived here as a child. It is France's premier port for shellfish, particularly crabs, clams and scallops. With such an abundance of seafood it is no wonder LeMaitre chose these shellfish as a subject for his painting. The alluring red of the crab's outer shell contrasts with its lighter coloured underside and the light blue of the plate in this softened impressionist representation. The work is in good overall condition having been newly framed with a French-style linen slip. It is signed and dated by the artist in the lower left hand. Please enjoy the many images accompanying this listing. Upon request a video may be provided. 

About the Artist: André Lemaître (1909-1995). Lemaître did not stop drawing since childhood and began to paint seriously around 1926. After studying at the Caen Normal School, he became a schoolmaster in Billy (Calvados area) in 1932 yet continued to paint. This Norman artist created most of his artwork in Calvados. From 1960, he devoted himself exclusively to his work and settled in Cesny-aux-Vignes where he set up a workshop. He received the Gold Medal of French Artists in Paris in 1972. He is said to have been a prolific artist known for having painted the Norman countryside, still lifes, portraits and other large compositions. Starting from a fairly traditional impressionism, he succumbed to the influence of Cézanne having, in 1936, attended a major retrospective in Paris, then of Vlaminck after 1945, before forging a personal style that some may qualify as 'Abstract Realism'.

Dimensions with Frame:

H 50 cm / 19.7"

W 58 cm / 22.8"

Dimensions without Frame:

H 37 cm / 14.6"

W 44.5 cm / 17.5"