French painter; born as the second son of a modest and music-loving family.
Studied at the Écoles des Beaux-Arts (Schools of Fine Arts) in Le Havre and Paris. After influenced by Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism, he developed his own characteristic style known for his swift drawings and bright colors.
Favorite motifs were sea, music, and horses. As a decorator, he also worked for textile design, stage design and illustrations. At the World's Fair in Paris, 1937, he created La Fée Électricité (The Electricity Fairy), a monumental mural painting in praise of scientific developments of humankind. Won the first prize at the 26th Venice Biennale in 1952.
Last modified: 2004-02-03