Oil on canvas, pasted on board
Dimensions: 40 x 49 cm, 67 x 77 cm (with frame)
Signed p.d.: J. Pressmane and again on the back
Provenance: private collection, Israel
Certificate of authenticity
Joseph Pressmane (1904-1967) was a painter and printmaker of French-Polish descent, associated with the École de Paris. He was born in Warsaw, where he began his artistic education. He studied at the Lviv Academy of Fine Arts and later continued his studies in Warsaw. His first solo exhibition was held in 1925 in Jerusalem, where he went after graduation. A year later he moved permanently to Paris - the center of the artistic world, which had a decisive influence on his creative development.
In Paris, Pressmane began working for the renowned Academie Ranson, gaining recognition in the art circle. He primarily created portraits and landscapes, which were distinguished by their particular expressiveness of form and color. His works conveyed an intensity of emotion and a deep sensitivity to the surrounding world. An early patron of the artist was Leopold Zborowski, a respected Polish art dealer and poet, who collected his works and supported him in the early days of his career
Pressmane's style was firmly rooted in the École de Paris tradition, but at the same time reflected the artist's individual experience. He was able to capture human emotions and the unique beauty of everyday life in his works. His work quickly gained recognition both in Paris and abroad. He exhibited in prestigious galleries, and his name became recognizable in artistic circles.
The years of World War II were a difficult time in Pressmane's life. He hid from the German occupiers, which influenced the melancholy tone of his later works. After the war, he returned to his work, which became more reflective and profound, often reflecting the loneliness of man in a complex world.
Joseph Pressmane died in Paris in 1967, leaving a rich artistic output that continues to inspire generations to come. His paintings, full of passion and emotion, can be admired in museums and private collections around the world. Thanks to his exceptional talent and the support of patrons such as Zborowski, Pressmane went down in history as one of the outstanding representatives of the École de Paris, who brought an unforgettable sensitivity and intensity of expression to the group.
