Jean-Gabriel Domergue (1889-1962) Elegant young woman with veil

Oil on canvas, signed lower left
Dimensions: H. 54 x W.45 cm With frame 77 x 68 cm

Jean-Gabriel Domergue was born in Bordeaux on March 4, 1889. His father, a journalist and art critic, took him to artists' studios from an early age. Very precocious, he was drawing remarkably well by the age of 15. He naturally entered the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris, and frequented the studios of the best academic painters, such as Lefèvre, Robert-Fleury, Humbert and Flameng.

In 1906, aged just seventeen, he took part in the Salon des Artistes Français, where he received his first commendation. In 1913, the artist was awarded the Second Grand Prix de Rome. 1920 was a decisive year for Domergue, as he was awarded the Gold Medal at the Salon des Artistes Français, marking the start of a period of immense success.

He was soon called on by the advertising industry to design posters and catalog covers. He also created theater sets and illustrated several books. Domergue was the feminine portrait painter par excellence, from the 1920s to the 1950s. The artist succeeded brilliantly in putting his traditional training at the service of his own style, originality and joie de vivre. He is undeniably an essential milestone in the evolution of women's portraiture in France. Domergue was also a worldly painter, his parents being members of the Bordeaux upper middle class. He frequented the French and British aristocracy and owned a villa in Cannes. Thanks to his origins and success, he spent his entire life rubbing shoulders with the greatest personalities, and painted portraits of the most beautiful women. Highly influential, he played a key role in the evolution of fashion in his day. He designed numerous dresses, hats and accessories for the most famous couturiers, including Paul Poiret and Henry Marque.

Domergue produced a huge number of paintings. He loved women and money, and accepted countless commissions whose quality he sometimes neglected; we find many small formats, often repetitive and with scant attention to detail. Last but not least, Domergue's type of painting gives the subject a crucial importance; even if all tastes are in nature, the elegance and beauty of women can make prices vary significantly.

Museums :
Cannes, Villa Domergue / Paris, Musée d'Art Moderne de la ville / Bordeaux, Musée des Beaux-Arts / Nantes, Musée des Beaux-Arts / ...

This portrait by Domergue is the artist's most sought-after subject, an elegant Parisian woman in evening attire. The posture of this very pretty young woman is complex; the tilted head in opposition to the body gives a sense of life that some of the artist's over-hasty works lack. The portrait stands out against a shaded blue background. The veil, hairstyle and accessories are carefully treated. The transparency of the dress lends fluidity and sensuality to this quality work. The painting is in perfect condition, on its original canvas. This Domergue is presented in a beautiful antique “Bouche” frame.