Adolphe Monticelli
(1824-1886)

Still Life
 

Adolphe Monticelli was a French painter born in Marseille. Monticelli taught himself to paint by studying the Old Masters at the Louvre and also studied under Paul Delaroche at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. He spent most of his life living between Marseille and Paris, and was known for his fashionable portraits, lively court scenes and landscapes.

Promenade dans la Clairiere
 

Monticelli painted in a loose Romantic style that was Impressionist in nature. In truth, Monticelli's work preceded the Impressionist movement, and was achieved by applying thick impasto paint strokes to his canvas. His work was highly admired by up and coming painters like Vincent van Gogh. In fact, van Gogh has been noted as saying that he felt his work was an extension or a continuation of Monticelli's.

Chefs Cooking on Rotisseries
 

Monticelli also often worked alongside fellow painter Paul Cezanne when he would travel to the south of France. The two painted landscapes together, and Cezanne's influence can clearly be seen in Monticelli's paintings. Towards the end of his career, Monticelli's style became even freer and spontaneous. Despite the fact that he enjoyed a fairly prolific and notable career, Monticelli sadly died in relative poverty and obscurity.

Flowers in a Blue Vase
 

Today, his work is housed in public and private collections in Europe and the United States, and perhaps in your own home. Still wondering about an early Impressionist painting hanging in your home? Contact us...it may be by Adolphe Monticelli.

Portrait of a Woman

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