Le Pho

(Vietnamese-French, 1907-2001)

Maternité aux fleurs

Footnotes

Provenance
Private collection, France


Le Pho's artistic career can be divided into three distinct phases: the early period (1925-1945), the Romanet era (1946-1962), and the Findlay phase (post-1963). The early period traces his evolution from the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de l'Indochine in Hanoi to the 1940s in Paris. The Romanet and Findlay phases, named after the galleries which represented him at the time, constitute a significant portion of his life in Paris.

This painting, 'Maternité aux fleurs', dates from the Romanet period, during which Le Pho continued to paint on silk, employing gouache and oil paints to enhance texture and vibrancy. His palette shifted to more luminous hues, his brushwork became more delicate, and he moved away from the stark, well-defined contours of his initial works towards a more liberated, impressionistic approach.

This painting is a captivating display of his signature style, which merges Eastern motifs with Western painting techniques. It features three figures—two women and a child—dressed in traditional Vietnamese attire, creating a sense of cultural authenticity. The child, positioned behind the bouquet, adds a touch of innocence to the scene.

Placed at the centre of the composition, a table with a large bouquet of yellow tulips and white blossoms stands in vibrant contrast to the figures' clothing. The background blends bright yellow and green brushstrokes, evoking a lush, floral setting, perhaps a garden, which complements the serenity of the figures, who seem to be in a state of peaceful coexistence with these natural surroundings.

The bright colours provide a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the texture of the thick paint adds depth and richness to the visual experience. This large painting is a testament to Le Pho's ability to convey beauty and emotion through his unique artistic influences.