Henri Epstein (1891-1944) - Watercolour on paper - Busy port - Signed

Henri Epstein (1891-1944) Watercolour on paper. Busy port. Signed at the bottom left. Label from the Paris American Art on the back. Aluminium frame and under glass. Dimensions with frame: 43x49cm. Dimensions without frame: 31x37cm. Good condition, some foxing. *Henri Epstein was born in 1891 in Poland. After the death of his father, his mother encouraged him to continue drawing, leading to his admission to the Fine Arts in Munich. In 1913, Epstein joined La Ruche in Paris, where he mingled with many artists. A place of artistic creation, Epstein produced a lot. His works bear similarities to the paintings of Eugène Leroy. During the occupation, Henri Epstein was arrested by the Gestapo. Initially interned in Drancy, the artist was transferred to Auschwitz, where he met his death in 1944. The works and style of Henri Epstein. Henri Epstein's works are varied. The artist uses drawing, watercolour, and charcoal. His style is unique, creating a sort of blur and sometimes undefined shapes. His painting reflects everyday life. Drawing inspiration from simple subjects, Epstein depicts Parisian scenes, landscapes, and portraits. Henri Epstein developed his artistic identity in France. He began by following the Fauvist movement, which advocates the use of bright colours and figurative representations. However, he quickly turned to expressionism, seeking to represent emotions in a more pronounced way. His work is characterised by the use of pure colours and bold strokes to create graphic and dynamic works that highlight movement. In Paris, Epstein met Impressionists as well as other influential artists such as Modigliani and Soutine, also from the La Ruche community. Together, they participated in the first school of Paris. This movement brought together many foreign artists who emigrated to France, such as Chagall and Kisling from Russia, Picasso from Spain, Modigliani from Italy, and Foujita.