Bernard Boutet de Monvel

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Bernard Boutet de Monvel

French, 1881-1949

BiographyBernard Boutet de Monvel (1881-1949) was a French painter, sculptor,
engraver, and illustrator known for his refined, geometric style and his
role as a key figure in the Art Deco movement. Born into an artistic
family in Paris, Boutet de Monvel studied at the Académie Julian and
developed a distinct aesthetic characterized by precise lines and a muted
color palette. His work often depicted the elite society of the interwar
period, and he was particularly celebrated for his portraits of the
American and European aristocracy. In addition to his painting, Boutet
de Monvel was a skilled illustrator and contributed to several leading
fashion magazines of his time.
Boutet de Monvel's connection with the United States was significant,
as he traveled there frequently and established a strong following
among the American upper class. He first visited the U.S. in 1926, and
his work soon captured the attention of prominent figures, including
socialites and industrial magnates. His American commissions included
portraits of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and various members of high
society, further cementing his reputation as a master portraitist. His
travels to the U.S. also influenced his artistic style, introducing a certain
modernity and crispness to his compositions that aligned well with the
burgeoning Art Deco movement in America. His legacy is one of
transatlantic influence, blending the sophistication of French art with
the dynamism of the American cultural landscape.

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