Henri Epstein (1891-1944) - Watercolor on paper - Beach scene - Signed

Henri Epstein (1891-1944) Watercolor on paper. Lively beach scene with boats and figures. Signed lower left. Paris American Art label on the back. Aluminum frame under glass. Dimensions with frame: 43 X 49 cm. Dimensions without frame: 31 X 37 cm. Very good condition, one scratch (photo 7) *Henri Epstein was born in 1891 in Poland. After his father's death, his mother encouraged him to continue drawing, until he entered the Munich Academy of Fine Arts. In 1913, Epstein joined La Ruche in Paris, where he associated with many artists. A hub of artistic creation, Epstein produced a great deal of work. His pieces bear similarities to the paintings of Eugène Leroy. During the Occupation, Henri Epstein was arrested by the Gestapo. Initially interned at Drancy, the artist was transferred to Auschwitz, where he perished in 1944. The Works and Style of Henri Epstein. Henri Epstein's works are varied. The artist used drawing, watercolor, and charcoal. His style is distinctive, creating a kind of blur and sometimes undefined forms. His paintings reflect everyday life. Drawing inspiration from simple subjects, Epstein depicted Parisian scenes, landscapes, and portraits. Henri Epstein developed his artistic identity in France. He began by following the Fauvist movement, which advocated the use of vibrant colors and figurative representations. However, he quickly turned to Expressionism, seeking to represent emotions more intensely. His work is characterized by the use of pure colors and bold strokes to create graphic and dynamic works that emphasize movement. In Paris, Epstein met Impressionists as well as other influential artists such as Modigliani and Soutine, also from the La Ruche collective. Together, they participated in the first School of Paris. This movement brought together many foreign artists who had emigrated to France, such as Chagall and Kisling from Russia.