Place: Villefranche-Sur-Saône
Born: 1872
Death: 1934
Biography:
Paul Emile Berthon, a French artist born on March 15, 1872, in Villefranche-sur-Saône, is renowned for his stunning posters and lithographs. He passed away on February 27, 1934, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful Art Nouveau works.
Berthon's journey as an artist began in Villefranche-sur-Saône, where he studied painting before moving to Paris. In Paris, he enrolled at the Ecole Normale d'Enseignement de Dessin, where he received lessons in painting from Luc-Olivier Merson and lessons in decorative arts from Eugène Grasset. The influence of Grasset's style is evident in Berthon's work, with strong lines and natural details guiding his art.
Berthon's work is characterized by the Art Nouveau style, similar to that of his contemporary Alphonse Mucha. His study of decorative arts had a significant impact on his printmaking, resulting in beautiful lithographed posters. Unlike many artists of his time, the vast majority of Berthon's posters did not include advertisements and were meant to stand on their own as individual pieces of art.
Some of Berthon's notable works can be found in various museums and collections, including the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris. This museum is home to an impressive collection of Impressionist paintings, including works by Claude Monet. For those interested in exploring more of Berthon's work, Wikioo.org offers a range of stunning canvas prints and oil-painted replicas.
For those interested in learning more about Paul Emile Berthon, Les Maîtres de l'Affiche and Gérald Schurr: Les Petits Maîtres de la peinture 1820–1920 are recommended reading. Additionally, Victor Arwas: Berthon & Grasset provides a comprehensive overview of Berthon's work and influence.
Berthon's work can be explored further on Wikioo.org and Wikipedia. His legacy as a talented artist continues to inspire art lovers and enthusiasts around the world.