'Bouquet of Flowers with Vanitas' by Louis Latapie (circa 1930s)

'Bouquet of Flowers with Vanitas', wax crayon on paper, by French artist, Louis Latapie (circa 1930s). A vanitas painting contains collections of objects symbolic of the inevitability of death and the transience and vanity of earthly achievements and pleasures; it exhorts the viewer to consider mortality and to live every moment of their life to the fullest. While the skull on the table is an obvious vanitas symbol, the flower blossoms themselves represent life and beauty which will also wither away. The artist transitioned in form from purely figurative work to more abstract in style. This work demonstrates a freedom of expression less anchored to traditional art. Colourful and forward-looking it reminds us to seize the day. The artwork is in good condition and has been newly framed with a French-style linen slip and anti-reflective glass. It is signed by the artist in the lower right hand corner. Please view the many photos accompanying this listing. 

About the Artist: Louis Latapie (1891-1972) was a highly celebrated artist who enjoyed an international reputation which continues today. During his long career he exhibited regularly at the major Paris Salons, including the Salon des Indépendants, the Salon d’Automne and the Salon des Tuileries. He had numerous individual and group exhibitions including Art et Résistance Musée d’Art Moderne, Paris in 1946. On his death in 1972, he was honoured, like Braque and Picasso, with a major retrospective at the Palais des Papes in Avignon. Further comprehensive retrospectives of his work were held in 1988 at the Musée Rapin and the Musée des Augustins. Appearing in numerous exhibitions and sold in the major auction houses, his works can be found today in the collections of museums worldwide including the Musée National d’Art Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, (Paris); Musée d’Art Moderne, (Paris); Musée d’Art Moderne (Geneva); and the city museums of Toulouse, Avignon and Poitiers. 

Dimensions with frame:

H 45 cm / 17.7"

W 40 cm / 15.7"

Dimensions without frame:

H 36 cm / 14.2"

W 31.5 cm /  12.4"