Fernand Legout-gérard

Fernand Legoût-Gérard, after starting a career as a civil servant, devoted himself to painting from 1903 and set up his studio in Concarneau. He exhibited regularly in Paris, first at the Société des Artistes Français from 1889 to 1894, then at the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts from 1894. He was also present in the Salons of the large provincial cities (for example in Reims from 1890 to 1903), and even abroad, where he was well known in artistic circles. Very often rewarded, Bronze Medal in 1900 at the Universal Exhibition, named painter of the Navy, officer of the Legion of Honor, we owe him a large number of scenes of popular life in Brittany, which made his success and his reputation. Concarneau is one of his favorite places to evoke the picturesque scenes of Breton markets, quays, port activity and its inhabitants. A realist painter, he carries his easel and willingly mingles with the crowd and local entertainment. He depicts Breton women in their traditional costumes, waiting for the fishermen to return against a backdrop of ramparts or sunset in the bay. From his vast studio, he overlooks the coast so admired by the artists of his time. And when he is not at the markets, the artist likes to paint and draw views of the Forêt-Fouesnant at dusk. In addition to Normandy, Legoût-Gérard painted in Paris, where he lived in winter, in Italy, particularly in Venice, in Greece and in Tunisia.