'Les Premiers Signes du Printemps' by René Seyssaud (circa 1930s)

'Les Premiers Signes du Printemps' ('The First Signs of Spring'), oil on board, by René Seyssaud (circa 1930s). In Provence in the South of France, springtime may show its first signs as early as February. Artists with their keen powers of observation, notice and then record on canvas the little things that can lift one's spirit after the short, frosty and grey winter days. This artwork brings with it, the promise of lighter evenings and warmer days to come. Despite the cold temperatures in Provence, irises start to show their pale purple buds along the sides of the country roads bringing the first splashes of colour. It is always a delight to see them, but the Provençal residents know there is then a lull; a moment, when Mother Nature draws her breath, uncertain of whether to throw herself wholeheartedly into the new season. The buds on the trees start to swell, but almost seem to stop, as if they are waiting for a signal announcing the right moment to throw all their energy into opening and showing the first of the year’s flowers to the world.

Masterfully painted, especially in its delicate treatment of light, this artwork is uplifting as it reminds the viewer of the warmer weather that arrives in springtime, a celebration of new life, green grass and the hope of the coming summer. In good overall condition this artwork has recently been reconditioned and cleaned by an art restoration professional. It has also been newly framed with a French-style linen slip. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying the listing. Upon request a video 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. He strove to develop his own language, was never guided by a mentor and kept apart from the schools and movements of the day. He also turned his back upon the powerful French Academy, preferring instead to exhibit in small independent salons. But there were also continual pressures on Seyssaud to conform. Unable - like, say, Paul Cézanne - to draw on financial support from his family, he had, from the outset, to live from his art, paint to commission and produce commercially pleasing work. His vision, bold and ahead-of-its-time at the start of his life, looked somewhat conventional as time went on and he seemed not to be in a position to react to new modernist currents. Still, Seyssaud's rich, sensuous and passionate work grandly represents the tradition of Provençal art. 

Dimensions with frame:

H 48 cm / 18.9"

W 57 cm / 22.4"

Dimensions without frame:

H 35.5 cm / 14.0"

W 44.5 cm / 17.5"