Ferdinand Misti-Mifliez – View of Vetheuil – 1919

Beautiful watercolour painting representing a view of the exterior of the Notre-Dame de Vétheuil church (12th century) and of the stone cross known as the "Croix du Petit-Cimetière", built in 1764 and located in front of the church’s south portal. The small town of Vétheuil is known for having welcomed Claude Monet with his first wife Camille Doncieux and two children in a house a few metres from this church, between 1878 and 1881.

Ferdinand Edouard Ernest Mifliez dit Misti, is a French painter, poster artist, lithographer and illustrator.

Born in Paris on September 10, 1865, he studied with Edmond Lechevallier-Chevignard at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. He took the artist name “Misti” in 1888 and thus signed all his future graphic works. He exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français, and received an honorable mention in 1907. In 1906, he became a member of the brotherhood of artists Le Cornet and participated in their events until his death.

Misti is best known today for his many posters. His work appeared in two issues of the magazine launched by Jules Chéret, Les Maîtres de l'Affiche, namely Cycles Gladiator (1895) and La Critique (1896). Chéret also printed some of these first lithographic works (at Chaix et associés) before Misti opened his own workshop in 1894.

Ferdinand Misti died on June 20, 1922 in Neuilly-sur-Seine.

Sources: Benezit, Dictionary of Artists; Peoplepill; Archives de France.

Artist: Ferdinand Misti-Mifliez (1865-1922).
Signed in lower left corner.
Medium: Watercolour on paper.
Condition: Very good condition.
Dimensions: 20 x 36 cm. / 8 x 14 in. (visible).
Frame: 33 x 45 cm. / 13 x 17 ¾ in. Wood, matting and glass. Very good condition.
Origin: France.