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This striking mid-century portrait captures a solemn, introspective man dressed in a grey suit and brown tie, set against a vibrant indigo background. The strong geometric structure of the composition, coupled with bold, expressive brushstrokes, reveals the hand of French post-impressionist Paul Rivoire. His sensitivity to color and form—hallmarks of his style—are evident in the way the cool tones of the background contrast with the warm hues of the sitter’s face and attire, evoking a quiet dignity.
Painted around 1950, this work reflects Rivoire’s mature period, following his settlement in Grenoble after World War II. Deeply influenced by Cézanne, Rivoire sought a harmonious balance between structure and chromatic expression. Though unsigned, the portrait bears the stylistic signature of Rivoire’s careful study of form and psychological presence.
Paul Gabriel Alexis Rivoire was a French post-impressionist painter known for his finely balanced compositions and sensitivity to color and form. Born on March 5, 1902, in Pont-de-Beauvoisin (Savoie, Rhône-Alpes), he was the son of a silk manufacturer and discovered his artistic calling at an early age. He studied under Lucien Jonas and Jean Bugnard in Annecy, where he honed a style deeply influenced by the work of Paul Cézanne.
Rivoire exhibited widely throughout his career, participating in prominent salons such as the Société des Peintres de Montagne, the Salon des Artistes Français, and the Salon d'Automne between 1936 and 1982. His talent was recognized with several honors, including the first prize from the Fondation Hébert d'Uckermann in 1974, the Prix Vaujany in 1975, and a third medal from the Société Lyonnaise des Beaux-Arts in 1977. He also received special commendation from the Salon de la Peinture à l'Eau in Paris.
Paul Rivoire passed away on September 7, 1984, in La Tronche (Isère), leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate with collectors and admirers of French post-impressionism.
Artist: Paul Rivoire (1902-1984)
Unsigned.
Medium : Oil on cardboard.
Condition: Very good condition.
Dimensions : 65 x 49 cm. / 25 1/2 x 19 1/4 in.
Frame: 88 x 73 cm. / 34 1/2 x 28 3/4 in. Very good condition.
Origin : France.
