GEORGES FOLMER, Profile et Masque, c.1928
I have chosen Profile et Masque, created by Georges Folmer in 1928, as I am a great admirer of his work and it is an excellent example of his early figurative style. We have worked with the artist’s daughter who has represented his estate for many years.
Like all progressive French artists of this period, Folmer was influenced by Cubism, in this case, Synthetic Cubism which was characterized by flat colorful shapes and a flattening of the pictorial plane. Such stylistic elements are evident here in the profile of the lady’s face and breast, and the interaction between fabric and architectural elements. I also like the involvement of the snake, which seems both friendly and frightening.
Just a few years after Profile et Masque was painted, Folmer developed an entirely abstract style based on geometric forms which he developed in various forms until his death in 1977. He was a leading member of the Salon des Réalités Nouvelles. In 1960 he founded the Mesure Groupe, which developed a close dialogue between the ideas of architects and artists of geometric. He went on to become one of the most fervent defenders of the synthesis of the arts. His work is represented in many important museums including the Musée d’Orsay.
We sold this work to a collector in Florida in 2012 but recently bought it back. It is framed with a simple but stylish gold frame that complements the design elements of the painting. It is included in the artist’s Catalogue Raisonné, which was published in 2015.
