Lelée Léo (1872-1947) “village Street” Arles Fontvieille Alpilles Provence Avignon Lelee Baux

LELÉE Léo (1872 - 1947)

“Village street”

Watercolor on paper,
Signed lower left and dated 1920,

Beautiful watercolor by the artist Léo Lelée which represents a corner of an alley in Provence, most certainly in Arles or Saint- Rémy de Provence where the artist loved to draw.

Born in 1872 in Chemazé in Mayenne, Léo Lelée was a student of Gaston Bertin at the Laval high school, before entering the School of Decorative Arts in Paris and then the School of Fine Arts where he trained under Pierre Victor Galland, renowned decorator. After teaching for two years at the School of Industrial Arts in Roubaix, he returned to Paris and made his debut as a poster designer and illustrator for postcards.
It was in 1902 that he discovered Arles and Provence. Under the charm of this land bathed in the sun. He settled there permanently in 1903. He became friends with several felibres: Barroncelli, Joseph d'Arnaud and Marius Jouveau. He made numerous sketches of the streets of Arles and became the painter of the Arlesiennes, tirelessly drawing their costumes and farandoles. He creates a style with great economy of means, a line and softened colors, while capturing details such as the folds of a dress or an attitude.
Most of his works are kept in three places, namely: the Palais du Roure in Avignon, the Muséon Arlaten in Arles and the Musée de la Perrine in Laval.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 30.5 cm seen without frame and 37.5 x 46.5 cm with its old gilded wood frame.

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