Composition

20th-century oil on wood signed Robert Simon (1889-1961), dated 1960 on the back. The artwork features the studio stamp and his Parisian atelier address on the back.

A striking still life bursting with movement and contrast, this composition captures a tall bouquet arranged in a geometric-patterned vase, resting atop a glass-topped wooden table. Simon masterfully balances light and shadow, allowing the luminous background to be punctuated by bold red blooms and vivid green foliage—forming an almost regal crown within the intimate interior.

His rapid, sculptural brushstrokes bear the unmistakable influence of Impressionism, imbuing the work with texture and vitality. The deliberately tight, off-center perspective invites the viewer into the space, creating a sense of presence—as if we are glimpsing this moment from just beyond the frame.

Housed in a richly carved wooden frame with a timeworn patina, this compelling piece carries a quiet poignancy, painted just one year before the artist’s passing—a lasting testament to Simon’s expressive vision.

About Robert Simon (1889-1961)

Robert Simon was a post-Impressionism Parisian artist through and through, regularly exhibiting at the Salon d'Automne and the Salon des Artistes Français. His studio, on Rue Alfred Stevens in the 9th arrondissement, placed him right in the heart of Pigalle’s golden age, a lively hub where artists, writers, and critics mingled.

His Impressionist style, with its vibrant brushstrokes and bold use of color, brought to life the atmosphere of Parisian interiors and French landscapes. Favoring small formats, he aimed to capture maximum emotion in minimal space, painting still lifes, intimate interiors, and animated city scenes with a keen sense of light and composition.

He was close to artists like Jean Pougny, Charles Kvapil, and André Lhote, and counted Claude Roger-Marx, the renowned art critic and historian, among his friends. After Simon’s passing, Roger-Marx paid tribute to him in Le Figaro with an article titled: "The painter Robert Simon passed away, brush in hand."

• Overall Size: 19.6" x 15.3" / 50.5cm x 39cm.
• Size without frame: 13.7" x 9.4" / 35.5cm x 24.5cm.
• Country of origin: France.
• Signature: Robert Simon (1889-1961).
• Creation date: 1960. 
• Condition: The work is in very good condition, protected by its varnish. The Marie louise is however chipped in the lower right corner. The frame is in very good condition despite some minor impacts. 
• Materials: Oil painting on a thick wood panel with a modern wooden light frame.
• Shipping: Complimentary shipping to the US and Europe. A surcharge will be applied for deliveries to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.