Vuillard's Influence on Paul Lucien Maze Paintings

The world of art is woven with threads of inspiration and influence, where artists draw upon the works of their predecessors to create something uniquely their own. In this exploration, we delve into the creative influence of Édouard Vuillard on the artwork of Paul Lucien Maze, particularly considering how this influences the development in Paul Lucien Maze paintings throughout his painting life.

Understanding Édouard Vuillard's Artistic Legacy:

Édouard Vuillard - The Window 1894 at MOMA (graphic from MOMA.org Édouard Vuillard | MoMA)

Jean-Édouard Vuillard (1868 – 1940), a prominent figure in the post-impressionist movement, is renowned for his intimate portrayals of domestic scenes and everyday life. His paintings often feature richly patterned interiors and figures lost in quiet contemplation, showcasing his keen eye for detail and composition.

Vuillard's works evoke a sense of intimacy and nostalgia, inviting viewers to peer into a world of warmth and familiarity.

Vuillard's influence extends beyond his technical prowess to encompass his unique approach to subject matter and composition. His everyday scenes and domestic life created in simple but richly worked painting. His use of flattened perspective and bold patterns create a sense of depth and dynamism within his compositions, captivating viewers with their visual complexity and emotional resonance.

The Artistry of Paul Lucien Maze:

Paul Lucien Maze (1887–1979), a French-born artist born in Le Harve, Normandy, France, embarked on a creative odyssey that intersected with Vuillard’s path. As a young boy, Maze observed Impressionist masters like Monet, Manet, and Pissarro at work. In fact, he learnt his early artistic skills from Pissarro. This early exposure left an indelible mark on his artistic sensibilities.

However, it was his encounter with Vuillard that would shape his trajectory profoundly. The older artist encouraged Maze to explore the medium of pastels, believing it best suited Maze’s style, personality, and freshness. While Maze continued to work with oils and watercolours, pastels became his preferred choice. His talent as a pastelist garnered global recognition.

Maze, as a contemporary of Édouard Vuillard, was known for his vibrant pastel paintings that captured the essence of urban life and countryside landscapes. Maze's works exude a sense of movement and energy, with sensitive strokes and bold colours infusing each scene with life and vitality.

Picture from Sotheby’s Auction | PAUL MAZE | LIFE GUARDS AT WHITE HALL | Made in Britain | 2020 | Sotheby's (sothebys.com)

During his military service, Maze used pastels to capture fellow soldiers in action.

These evocative works revealed his keen eye for detail and his ability to infuse life into maritime scenes. His eye for observing movement continued into his paintings of the Grenadier Guards on the Mall and the crowds & horses at British Race meetings during the season. Maze’s pastels resonated with authenticity and his love of sailing boats never diminished and were often a feature in his paintings; whether depicting ships on the water or the English countryside.

Paul Lucien Maze Painting - Still Life with Flowers (For Sale at Rastall Art)

Being 19 years younger than Vuillard and choosing to live in England, Maze's subject matter may differ from Vuillard's but there are undeniable parallels in their approach to composition and colour.

Paul Maze - At the Dressing Table (from Sotheby’s Auction.)

Like Vuillard, Maze had a keen eye for capturing the nuances of everyday life, infusing his paintings with a sense of warmth and familiarity that resonates with viewers. Maze also embarked on a series of paintings featuring his second wife, aptly named the Jessie pictures. These intimate portraits captured moments of domesticity and shared affection.

Édouard Vuillard's Influence on Paul Lucien Maze:

Édouard Vuillard, Le Pot de Fleurs shown at the National Galleries of Scotland (Artworks | National Galleries of Scotland)

The creative influence of Édouard Vuillard on Paul Lucien Maze is evident in the latter's artistic evolution and stylistic development. While Maze maintained his own distinctive voice as an artist, Vuillard's works undoubtedly left a lasting impression on him (and many others), shaping his approach to composition, colour, and subject matter.

One of the most notable aspects of Vuillard's influence on Maze is evident in the latter's use of pattern and texture within his compositions, often in wall coverings, flooring and drapes. Like Vuillard, Maze experimented with flattened perspective and bold patterns, creating visually dynamic scenes that draw viewers into the heart of the painting.

Additionally, Vuillard's emphasis on capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life influenced Maze's thematic concerns, inspiring him to explore the beauty and complexity of the world around him. Whether depicting bustling city streets or tranquil countryside vistas, Paul Lucien Maze paintings echo Vuillard's celebration of the ordinary and the extraordinary moments that define our lives.

In conclusion, Vuillard’s simple gesture of nurturing the younger Maze to focus on pastels turned out to be a very important influence on Maze’s life’s work. While Maze maintained his own distinct style and approach. Whether by design or just by osmosis, Vuillard's works undoubtedly left an indelible mark on him, shaping his artistic evolution and his stylistic development throughout his painting career.

Collecting Paul Lucien Maze Paintings

For collectors and enthusiasts interested in acquiring Paul Lucien Maze paintings, understanding the influence of Édouard Vuillard on his work adds depth and context to their appreciation. Maze's paintings, infused with the spirit of Vuillard's artistic legacy, offer collectors an opportunity to own a piece of art history that pays homage to the masters who came before.

Whether purchasing from reputable galleries or auction houses, collectors should seek out authentic works by Paul Lucien Maze that showcase his unique artistic vision and the influence of Édouard Vuillard. By doing so, collectors can acquire pieces that not only enrich their own collections but also contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the legacy of these visionary artists.