Bal blanc

Joseph-Marius Jean Avy, known as Marius Avy, was a distinguished French painter born on September 21, 1871, in Marseille. He passed away on December 29, 1939, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy of genre paintings, landscapes, mural decorations, and pastels. Avy studied under the tutelage of Maignan and Bonnat, showcasing his work at the Salon des artistes français in Paris from 1900 until his death, and at the Salon de la nationale des beaux-arts from 1934 to 1939. His artistic achievements were recognized with several accolades, including the Prix Marie-Bashkirtseff in 1900, a second-class medal in 1903, an honorary diploma in 1937, and he was named a Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur, later promoted to Commandeur. Avy's personal life was marked by his marriage to Germaine, daughter of the renowned painter Albert Besnard, in 1909, and later to Clotilde Prégniard in 1939. His collaboration with Besnard on the decorative canvases for the Petit Palais' dome highlights his skill in mural decoration. Avy's work, characterized by vibrant color contrasts and dynamic compositions, such as 'Bal Blanc' (1903), reflects his mastery in capturing the essence of his subjects. His landscapes, often depicting Italian scenes, and his contributions to public art, like the marriage hall of Rotterdam's City Hall, underscore his versatility and enduring influence in the art world.