'Young Man with Cigarette' by René Seyssaud (circa 1930s)

'Young Man with Cigarette', gouache on paper, by René Seyssaud (circa 1930s). Although this young cigarette-smoking man looks as though he’s just swaggered out of the O.K. Corral with his wide-brimmed hat and bandana around his neck, we cannot call him a cowboy. That's an American term. This handsome young man is a 'Gardian'. More Gaulois Guy than Marlboro Man, the gardians are a distinctly French breed of stockmen from the Camargue wetland of Provence. Despite dressing like cowboys, they drink wine, not whisky, and rather than rodeos, their sport of choice is the course camarguaise, a bullfight where competitors attempt to remove ribbons from the animal’s horns. Perched atop the white horses for which the Camargue is famous, the gardians work tirelessly on what are some of France’s biggest livestock farms. The artist, Seyssaud, had a real connection with the Camargue and it is the subject of many of his artworks. This work is absolutely charming and is a historical record of a French character from the early 20th Century. In fair vintage condition commensurate with age and medium. The artwork has been newly framed with museum grade glass (UV-protected and anti-reflective) to ensure longevity of the work for decades to come. Please view the accompanying photos carefully to fully appreciate the work's condition and wonderful style. Upon request, a short video clip may be provided.

About the Artist: René Seyssaud (1867-1952) was a Provençal painter who studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Marseille, his hometown, then in Avignon. Noted for his powerful temperament and his bold palette of bright colours, he preceded the Fauvists in his use of colour. With other artists, Seyssaud formed the group of 'Young Admirers of Impressionism'. Invited to the exhibition of the Masters of independent Art in Paris, he was awarded the Grand Prize in 1951. Inspired by Provençal people, land and seascapes, Seyssaud created very striking works which are collected internationally and whose value increase consistently over time. He passed away in Saint-Chamas, France in 1952.

Dimensions with frame:

H 45.0 cm / 17.7"

W 42.0 cm / 16.5"

Dimensions without frame:

H 16.3 cm / 6.4"

W 13.7 cm / 5.4"