View Of A Village In Provence / Bertrand Py (1895-1973) / Oil On Canvas

This magnificent painting by BERTRAND PY captures with exceptional sensitivity the tranquility and authentic charm of a Provencal village. Located in the enchanting landscape of Provence, probably around Aix-en-Provence or in the Vaucluse department, this village exudes the soul and typical architecture of the region. The composition highlights a traditional Provencal house, with its ochre-toned stone walls and red-tiled roofs, characteristic of the local architecture.

38 x 46 unframed
signed lower left solid wood frame and canvas marie-louise

The bare trees cast delicate shadows, adding a subtle depth and evoking the cooler seasons, when soft light bathes the village. In the background, the rolling hills and slender cypresses are emblematic elements of Provencal landscapes, recalling the panoramas of famous places such as Gordes, Roussillon or Lourmarin. The color palette, dominated by pale blues, earthy browns, and soothing greens, demonstrates Bernard Py's mastery in capturing the unique atmosphere of Provence and the natural play of light that reigns there.

Bertrand Py (1895-1973) was a French artist born in Belfort. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in drawing and painting. After classical studies, he devoted himself fully to art and entered the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1912, although he had to cheat on his age to be admitted. Influenced by the great masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Chardin, Py spent many hours at the Louvre copying their works, a common practice for artists of the time. In the 1920s, Py became known in Parisian art circles, participating in the great salons of the time. In 1920, he exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français, then joined the prestigious Salon d'Automne in 1922 and the Salon des Indépendants in 1927, where he became a member in 1929. His works were also presented in renowned galleries such as the Galerie Armant Drouant, the Galerie Simonson, and the Galerie Bernheim. From the 1930s, he exhibited at the Petit Palais as part of the group of artists of his time and participated in international exhibitions. Py continued to exhibit regularly until the end of the 1960s, including at renowned venues such as the Galerie de la Cité and the Galerie Bassano. His last solo exhibitions were held at the Maison des Artistes in 1965 and 1968, and at the Galerie Bassano in 1970 and 1971. Bertrand Py died on October 2, 1973 in Nogent-sur-Marne.