Lelee Léo (1872-1947)"the Gypsy, Saintes-maries De La Mer"arles Provence Avignon Camargue Lelée

LELEE Léo (1872 - 1947)

“The gypsy girl in Saintes-Maries de la Mer, 1935”

Watercolor,
Signed and dated 1935 lower right,

Beautiful and rare watercolor by the artist Léo Lelée representing a Gypsy woman in front of her caravan in the camp des Saintes-Maries de la Mer.

Our watercolor is a large format and depicts a rather rare subject for the artist linked to gypsy life. Indeed, Léo Lelée is much better known for his works representing Arlesian women and scenes of Provençal life. We can note the presence of two watercolors representing scenes from the life of gypsies at the Muséon Arlaten.

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 charms 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 will make numerous sketches of the streets of Arles and become 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. A small lack of paper should be noted below the signature at the edge, colored paper has been affixed. This in no way damages the work and remains imperceptible.

Dimensions: 67.5 x 42.5 cm without frame and 84 x 68 cm with its Dutch style frame.

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