Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962) - English Edition

Jacques Majorelle (1886–1962) is an iconic figure of Orientalism. The son of cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle, he trained at the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts Appliqués in Nancy and then in Paris at the Académie Julian.

In 1908, Jacques Majorelle travelled to Spain, Egypt and Italy before settling in Morocco in 1917. There, he developed a unique chromatic language that set him apart from his contemporaries.

In Marrakesh, he was fascinated by the light and vibrant colours of the city, as well as its inhabitants. He first settled in Villa Bou Saf Saf, then in the Cubist villa designed by architect Paul Sinoir, which now houses the Berber Museum of the Jardin Majorelle Foundation.

For nearly forty years, he tirelessly painted the different atmospheres of souks, scenes of everyday life and the unique beauty of the models who came to pose at his home. His numerous trips to the kasbahs of the Atlas Mountains and other cities in Morocco enabled him to capture the richness of the landscapes, architecture, markets and ceremonies he was privileged to witness.

In the 1940s, his discovery of sub-Saharan Africa sparked an aesthetic and chromatic renewal that accompanied his entire body of work until his final creations.

This richly illustrated book, edited by Félix and Amélie Marcilhac, specialists in the painter's work, traces the artist's entire career.

More than 1,000 works are presented, accompanied by biographical and bibliographical notes.

Expanded edition.