'Les Alyscamps Arles' by Yves Brayer (1977)

'Les Alyscamps Arles', watercolour on art paper, by Yves Brayer (1977). This term has its origins and is related to the Elysian Fields, also called Elysium, which is the final resting place of the souls of the heroic and the virtuous in Greek mythology and religion. Likewise, the Alyscamps in Arles, France, outside the walls of the old town, were famous in the Middle Ages as Arles' main burial ground for nearly 1,500 years. It was the final segment of the Aurelian Way leading up to the city gates and was used for well-off citizens whose memorials ranged from simple sarcophagi to elaborate monuments. In 1981, the Alyscamps was classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The artist, Brayer, depicts strollers meandering on that pathway on a picturesque spring day in 1977. Strewn along the walk, are the ancient remnants of the memorials worn by weather, time and human disregard. The painting is in good overall condition and has been newly framed and glazed with anti-reflective glass. It is signed, dated and situated by the artist in the lower left hand. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video will be provided.

About the Artist: Yves Brayer (1907-1990) was born in Versailles, France. Determined to be an artist from an early age, he set out for Paris in 1924, initially studying at the academies in Montparnasse, and from there he attended the École des Beaux-Arts. Whilst still a student he exhibited at the Salon d’Automne and the Salon des Indépendants, and in 1927 Brayer left Paris for Spain with the aid of a state grant to enable him to study the works of the Spanish Masters in the Prado. 

On his return to Paris in 1934 he exhibited a collection of paintings inspired by his travels in Europe and Morocco to great acclaim. Having moved south to Cordes in the Tarn region of France after the War, Brayer then discovered the area which was to have the greatest artistic influence on his work: Provence. He was enchanted by the diverse and architectural forms of the Alpilles mountains, and by the vast expanse of the Camargue region with its ubiquitous white horses and black bulls. From then on he spent several months each year working in Provence. He also made several trips to Mexico, Egypt, Iran, Greece, Russia, Turkey, USA and Japan where he was quick to grasp the unique rhythm and light of each country.

A large collection of Yves Brayer’s paintings are on permanent display both at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Cordes, in the Salle Yves Brayer and at the Musée Yves Brayer in Les Baux de Provence, as well as various museums in France and elsewhere. Yves Brayer died in 1990.

Dimensions with frame:

H 96 cm / 37.8"

W 117 cm / 46.1"

Dimensions without frame:

H 86 cm / 33.9"

W 89 cm / 35"