Henri PONTOY (Reims 1888- Six Fours Les Plages 1968)

The water carriers Original oil on canvas 50 x 99 cm Signed lower center Pontoy Trained at the Beaux-Arts in Paris, he traveled and visited the Maghreb, settling in Fez as a teacher and painting in Morocco, where he was much appreciated. Over the course of his career, Pontoy explored a variety of styles and techniques, moving from impressionism to expressionism to abstraction. His work is characterized by a bold color palette, dynamic composition and an exploration of form and light. Pontoy drew his inspiration from nature, urban landscapes and scenes of everyday life. His paintings often captured fleeting moments and particular atmospheres, revealing his sensitivity to nuances of light and shadow. The artist was also influenced by his travels across Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain, where he was captivated by architecture, Mediterranean landscapes and local cultures. These experiences left their mark on his art, manifesting themselves in structured compositions. Henri Pontoy has taken part in numerous exhibitions in France and abroad, notably in Algerian galleries and at Algerian Orientalist Salons, receiving critical recognition for his work. His works have been shown in art galleries and museums, and some are held in private and public collections.