Emile Othon Friesz (1879-1949), Romeo and Juliet

Emile Othon Friesz (1879-1949)
Romeo and Juliet
Oil on canvas signed lower right

Size: 38 x 46 cm
Size with frame: 56 x 64 cm

The costume and staging remind us of a theatrical performance by Shakespeare, particularly the moment when Romeo discovers Juliet "dead" in the tomb, just before committing suicide. The posture of the woman and the attitude of the male character reinforce this reading. Although he is not known for his treatment of literary subjects, there is a work by the artist in Indian ink, wash and charcoal that deals with Lady Capulet, the Nurse and Juliet.

Bibliography :

Émile-Othon Friesz was a French painter born in Le Havre on February 6, 1879 and died in Paris on January 10, 1949. He is best known as a member of the Fauvist movement, although he evolved towards a more classical style during his career.

Early life and training: Friesz came from a family with a long maritime tradition, but he turned to art. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Le Havre, where he met Raoul Dufy, another future Fauve. Together, they continued their training in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts, in Léon Bonnat's studio.

Fauve period:Around 1905, Friesz travels to the south of France (notably Collioure), where he is deeply influenced by Henri Matisse and André Derain. He adopted the bright colors and simplified forms characteristic of Fauvism, a movement that rejected naturalism in favor of a more emotional expression of color. In 1905, he exhibited in the famous "Cageaux Fauves" at the Salon d'Automne with Matisse, Derain, Vlaminck and others, and quickly achieved success, exhibiting regularly at the major Parisian and European Salons.

Stylistic evolution: After a few years in the wake of the Fauvists, Friesz evolved towards a more structured, classical style, influenced by Cézanne. He became more interested in composition and drawing, moving away from the freer principles of pure Fauvism.

Career and recognition: Friesz exhibited at numerous salons, including the Salon d'Automne and the Salon des Indépendants. He also taught at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris, training several young artists.

Death: Émile-Othon Friesz died in Paris in 1949 at the age of 69. Today, his work can be found in several French and international museums, and he remains a key figure in the transition between Impressionism, Fauvism and the more classical currents of the 20th century.

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