Les Peintres Provençaux
Loubon et son temps - Aiguier - Ricard - Monticelli - Paul Guigou
"Les Peintres Provençaux" by André Gouirand is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the lives and contributions of provincial painters in France, particularly focusing on the artists from Provence during the 19th century. The book seeks to illuminate the obscured legacies and artistic significance of these painters in the broader context of French art history. The opening of the text introduces a reflection on the triumphs of Provençal painters during the recent French art exhibition, drawing attention to their artistic achievements and the surprise they elicited among the audience. Gouirand discusses the reasons behind the delayed recognition of these artists and critiques the centralizing tendencies of the Paris art scene that hindered the visibility of regional talents. The text sets the stage for an exploration of prominent figures such as Émile Loubon and his contemporaries, aiming to reassess their status and contributions to the art world of their time. The author emphasizes the distinctiveness of the Provencal artistic identity, shaped by a deep connection to their homeland.