marie laurencin

1883-1956
French artist and designer

Born illegitimately in Paris, Marie Laurencin was a unique female painter who, though a member of the artistic movement that would change the very currents of early twentieth century art, such as Fauvism and cubism, went on to develop her own distinctive aesthetic world.

She was introduced by a classmate at art school to a run-down apartment called "le Bateau-Lavoir" which served as a hangout/atelier for poor progressive artists. It was there that she met and spent a legendary youth with the likes of Picasso and Apollinaire and the composers and artists who became "Les Six". She went on to adopt the pale colors that characterise her works, many of which feature female forms, and to carve out an important place among the many talents of the Paris school.

One can detect several different stages in Laurencin's work over the years; yet permeating all her work are the sensitivity of an exceptionally perceptive woman and a lyricism tinged with angst. The pastel tones of rose, purple, blue and gray evince a glimmer of unmistakable intelligence and the existence of a cautiously hinted sensuality that create a soft and serene atmosphere, as if the entire scene were covered with a veil of mystery.

In addition to her paintings, Laurencin was also very accomplished in the applied arts, creating numerous, primarily printed, illustrated books, designing stage sets and costumes for Ballets Russes, and becoming involved in interior design. Her representative works include The Fan, The Kiss, and The Three Young Women.

Laurencin's turbulent life spanned two World Wars and included a marriage to a German baron, defection to Spain, divorce, and eventual return to Paris, where she became a socialite. She died in Paris at the age of 73.

Illustrations
Main: Marie Laurencin. Self portrait.
Above right: Costume design for Les Biches.