Moïse Kisling, born Mojżesz Kisling, was a Polish-born French painter who made significant contributions to the art world. Born on January 22, 1891, in Kraków, Austria-Hungary (now Poland), Kisling moved to Paris in 1910 at the age of 19 and became a French citizen in 1915 after serving and being wounded with the French Foreign Legion.
Early Life and Career
Kisling studied at the School of Fine Arts in Kraków, where his teachers encouraged him to go to Paris, considered the international center for artistic creativity in the early 20th century. In Paris, he joined an émigré community made up of artists from Eastern Europe as well as Americans and British. Kisling's style in painting landscapes is similar to that of
Marc Chagall, and his surreal nudes and portraits earned him the widest acclaim.
Artistic Style and Influences
Kisling was a master at depicting the female body, and his work was influenced by various art movements, including
Post-Impressionism. His paintings are characterized by bold colors and dramatic brushwork, which contributed to the rise of expressionism in modern art. Kisling's artistic style is also reminiscent of
Amedeo Modigliani, who painted a portrait of him in 1916, now in the collection of the
Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris.
Notable Works and Exhibitions
Some of Kisling's notable works include
La Sieste à Saint-Tropez,
Portrait du peintre (Autoportrait), and
Nu assis. His paintings are held in various museums, including the
Musée du Petit Palais in Geneva, Switzerland. Kisling's work has been exhibited in several cities, including Paris, New York, and Washington.
Legacy and Later Life
Kisling volunteered for army service again in 1940 during World War II and emigrated to the United States after the fall of France. He settled in California and continued to paint until his return to France in 1946. Kisling died on April 29, 1953, in Sanary-sur-Mer, Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. A residential street in the town is named after him.
Kisling's legacy as a painter is a testament to his innovative style and contributions to the art world. His work continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike, and his paintings remain a vital part of modern art history. For more information on Moïse Kisling and other notable artists, visit
WahooArt.com.