Alfred Manessier (1911-1993)

A student of Roger Bissière at the Académie Ranson, Alfred Manessier is considered one of the leading representatives of the New School of Paris, a term used to describe the artists emerging in the French capital in the immediate post-war period.
Taking advantage of the opportunity afforded him by non-figurative painting, he was able to "freely reconnect with the special bonds between man and nature, reestablishing harmony between creative intuition and sensation." His work thus straddles a fine line between figurative inspiration and abstract treatment.

The watercolor on paper we are presenting is a perfect illustration of this approach. Entitled "Les Barques," black shapes float on an iridescent background whose colors evoke the shimmering of light on water. The entire composition is enhanced by fine pen strokes in India ink, creating additional depth to the work. Here, Manessier reminds us of his great mastery of watercolor, a delicate and uncompromising technique.

The work comes from the collection of Jacqueline Jahun, whose taste and closeness to the artists of her time gave her access to works of great value.