The images and information presented below are for the instruction of students and scholarly research.
Paul Guigou (1834-1871)
The Washerwoman, 1860
Paul Guigou was a landscape painter, born in Vaucluse in southern France to a wealthy provincial family. In 1850, his family moved to Marseille where Guigou was able to study under Emile Loubon for four years. Although he showed promise as a painter from a very young age, he originally worked as a clerk, and wasn’t able to devote himself entirely to painting until 1862.
Paysage Provencal
Guigou eventually moved to Paris in 1862 where he became friends with a number of leaders in the Impressionist group such as Monet, Bazille and Sisley. He was generally influenced by the Barbizon painters, and used the “plein air” method of painting his landscapes outdoors instead of in the studio.
Les Collines d’Allauch , 1862
Sadly, his career was cut short when he died only nine years into his painting career. Because he had little time to become an established artist, Guigou’s paintings went virtually unnoticed at the salons until after he had died.
Seascape
Still wondering about that mysterious Impressionist painting hanging in your home? It may be by Paul Guigou. Contact us to find out.
