Marcel Gromaire (French, 1892–1971) was a painter associated with Social Realism and Expressionism. Born in Noyelles-sur-Sambre, Gromaire studied law in Paris, where he first became familiar with the artists of Montparnasse. Early on, Gromaire was influenced by such painters as
Henri Matisse,
Paul Cézanne, and, later, by
Fernand Léger. Gromaire served in World War I, until being wounded in 1916. His experiences from the war strongly influenced his artistic development.
After returning to Paris in 1919, he initially worked as a film critic. A year later, Gromaire met collector and patron Dr. Girardin, who supported his artistic career over the next several decades. His style in this period was influenced by German Impressionism, Cubism, and Flemish art. Largely figurative and realistic, these works were marked by somber tones and expressive brushstrokes. Though the war was his main subject, he also painted portraits and female nudes.
In 1933, the artist had a retrospective at the Kunsthalle de Baie. In 1937, he was invited to decorate the pavilion of the Sèvres porcelain factor at the World Exhibition in Paris. During this time, Gromaire was involved in the revival of the tapestry movement in Aubusson, where he worked with fellow artist
Jean Lurçat.
In 1950, Gromaire relocated to the United States, where he was awarded the Carnegie Prize. In 1954, he was made a commander of the Légion d’honneur. Gromaire also taught at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts, and received the Grand Prix National des Arts.
Today, his works can be found in prestigious collections around the world, including the Art Institute of Chicago, The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Réunion des Musées Nationaux in France, and the Harvard University Art Museum.
