Georges-Daniel de Monfreid Paintings

Georges-Daniel de Monfreid was a French painter and art collector born on March 14, 1856, in New York to French parents. He is perhaps best known for his close association with the post-impressionist artist Paul Gauguin, whom he supported and with whom he maintained an extensive correspondence. Monfreid's own work was influenced by the Synthetist style, which was characterized by the use of bold colors and simplified forms.

Monfreid's family returned to France during his childhood, and he grew up in the southern region of Languedoc. He originally pursued a career in law but soon abandoned this path to focus on his passion for art. His early work showed the influence of the Impressionists, particularly in his use of light and color. However, after meeting Gauguin in the late 1880s, his style began to evolve as he embraced the more avant-garde approaches of the Pont-Aven School.

Throughout his career, Monfreid was an active participant in the Parisian art scene and exhibited his work at the Salon des Indépendants and other prominent venues. His paintings often depicted the landscapes of the Mediterranean coast, where he lived for much of his life. He was also an avid collector of African art, which influenced both his own work and that of his contemporaries.

Despite his contributions to the art world and his important role in supporting Gauguin, Monfreid's work was somewhat overshadowed by that of his more famous friend. Nevertheless, he was a respected artist in his own right, and his work is held in several museums and private collections.

Georges-Daniel de Monfreid passed away on November 26, 1929, in Corneilla-de-Conflent, France. His legacy lives on through his paintings and the rich correspondence with Gauguin, which provides valuable insights into the lives and thoughts of post-impressionist artists during a pivotal time in the history of art.