Paul Madeline (1863-1920). A Parisian by birth, the young Paul grew up inspired by the works of Monet, Seurat, Pissarro and their concept of Impressionism, and practice of painting ‘plein air’ style, outdoors. He was a pupil of Edouard Chaly, who encouraged his student’s obvious talent. Madeline was soon exhibiting at the Salon de la Societe des Artistes Francais and in 1897 he was elected as a member, in 1910 he was elected to the Salon des Beaux-Arts where he had received honourable mention in 1897. At the great Universal Exhibition of 1900, his work was selected to be shown and again received honourable mention. This painting of the coast at Esterel is a perfect example of his ability to set up his easel and paint what he saw. His treatment of light and shade and depth of view he creates is masterful. Closer inspection shows the speed at which he worked as he laid wet paint upon wet paint, a distinctive hallmark of the Impressionist school.
Museums: Chteauroux, Nantes, Paris (Musee d’Orsay).