MOISE KISLING
French, 1891 - 1953

A French painter of Polish origin, Kisling was born in Krakow, Poland, where he studied at the academy. He arrived in Paris, France in 1910, where he met Picasso, Braque, Derain, Juan Gris, and Modigliani. Cezanne had the greatest influence during his early years as an artist, but he developed a close friendship with Modigliani and his studio in rue Josef-Bara became a meeting place for the artists and models of Montparnasse. A portrait of Kisling by Modigliani now resides in the Musee d’Art Moderne today.

Kisling was living in Holland at the outbreak of World War I, but returned to Paris and enlisted in the Foreign Legion. Seriously wounded in 1915, he was demobilised and granted French citizenship on the strength of his military record.

As a result of his service in the First World War, Kisling was excused the draft when war was declared again in 1940. Because of his Jewish origin he decided to move to America, doing so that year, making the journey by boat to Boston. The painting entitled Paysage de Gloucester is in fact inscribed with Gloucester which is on the north side of Massachusetts.

The first solo exhibition of his work at Druet’s in 1919 revealed a very personal style, growing out of his spirited use of color in his native tradition and the discipline acquired through his contact with French painters. His nudes, portraits, and other compositions were sensual, elegant and dynamic, possessing a certain melancholy that was also resonant in the work of Modigliani.

During his stay in New York, Kisling exhibited at the Whitney Museum, including a portrait of the ambassador of Brazil. Moving to Hollywood, CA he showed further works such as a portrait of the pianist Rubenstein. In Philadelphia he exhibited at the Barnes Foundation. A retrospective of his works was organised in Paris in 1984 at the National Galleries of the Grand Palais.

One of the best painters of L’Ecole de Paris, he is represented in important museums and private collections throughout the world. He died in his villa at Sanary, Provence, in 1953.

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