Ferdinand Loyen du Puigaudeau (1864 - 1930)

Born into an old Breton family and a cousin of Chateaubriand, du Puigaudeau belongs to the generation of artists who came after Impressionism. The Pont-Aven school was certainly a determining factor in the work of this painter, particularly through his direct relationship with Gauguin. Nevertheless, his pictorial approach remains very personal, his taste for independence and his temperament preventing him from being a simple admirer.

Throughout his life, he was inspired by certain themes that were specific to him, particularly nocturnal and luminous scenes such as fireworks, carousels, but also village festivals, peasants in the moonlight, seascapes at dawn, marshes...

Friend of Gauguin, exhibited by Durand Rueil, a great Parisian gallery owner, bought by Degas, many great names in art have recognised the talent of this painter. He is, without any doubt, in the tradition of the Flemish and French masters of the XVIIth century such as Aart Van Der Neer or Georges de La Tour, who were inspired by the strength and beauty of the night lights...