Jean-Pierre Cassigneul (1935) - La robe noire

Jean-Pierre Cassigneul (1935)

La robe Noir

Oil on canvas | 81 x 60 cm

Provenance: Dutch private collection Comes with handwritten certificate of the artist

Jean-Pierre Cassigneul's painting "La robe noire" (The Black Dress) is a striking example of his unique style depicting a sophisticated woman dressed in a sleek black dress, her elegant figure positioned against a backdrop with a seaside setting, with sailboats dotting the horizon. The portrait is en profile, emphasizing her refined features, with a bright red rose adorning her dark hair. She wears a simple yet elegant pearl necklace, which, along with her dress, adds to the aura of timeless elegance and sophistication. Cassigneul's use of color is particularly noteworthy in this piece. The vibrant blue of the sea and sky is juxtaposed with the darker tones of the woman's attire, creating a compelling contrast that draws the viewer’s eye to the figure at the center of the composition. The brushstrokes are bold and expressive, lending a sense of movement to the water and the flowing lines of the dress, while the overall composition exudes a calm and serene mood. The painting captures a moment of quiet contemplation, as the woman gazes out over the water, her expression inscrutable yet intriguing. "La robe noire" embodies the elegance and poise characteristic of Cassigneul's work.

Jean-Pierre Cassigneul is a French painter and visual artist most famous for his post-impressionistic portraits of women in flowery hats. His inspiration came from the revolutionary Les Nabis, Fauvist and Expressionist movements that dominated the early 20th century, represented by such artists as Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard and Kees van Dongen.

Cassigneul's work is characterized by his vivid use of color, fluid lines, and a keen attention to detail, particularly in the portrayal of his female subjects. His paintings often feature elegantly dressed women in fashionable attire, set against lush, dreamlike backgrounds.
Cassigneul was born on July 13, 1935, in Paris, France and studied at the École des Beaux Arts before holding his first solo exhibition there at the age of 17. A year later, he was appointed a member of the Salon d'Automne. From 1956 to 1960 he studied under the French painter Roger Chapelain-Midy, and from 1965 onwards he exhibited at the Gallery Bellechasse in Paris. Since then he has exhibited across Europe, Japan, and the United States.

Cassigneul has enjoyed tremendous success since that first showing at the age of 17. His work is a product of a long tradition in French modern art. His work uses elements of representation that came before him and reorganizes them into a visual style that is all his own. With masterpieces for over six decades, Cassigneul has formed a body of work that will forever hold a place of prominence in the French modern art.
Today, Jean-Pierre Cassigneul is considered one of the most prominent figures in the contemporary French art scene. His works are highly sought after by collectors and are featured in numerous private and public collections around the world.