Paul Mathey, Composition de Notre Dame, Gouache on Paper, Framed

Paul Albert Mathey is the son of Charles and Elisa Beaujon. Orphaned at 14, he was taken in by an uncle and spent his childhood in New York. In 1931, he married Claire-Lise Monnier, a painter like him. They have exhibited together several times. Between 1905 and 1910, he took evening classes at the Art Student's League in New York. From 1910 to 1916, he attended the School of Fine Arts in Geneva and was a pupil of Barthélemy Menn. During this period, he received several awards and mentions. In 1916-1917, he worked with Ferdinand Hodler. In 1918, he became a member of the Society of Swiss Painters, Sculptors and Architects (he participated in all of its exhibitions until 1967) and of the Gottfried Keller Foundation (1954-1961). He mainly painted landscapes and still lifes. He also made some theater sets in Geneva. In 1967, he became a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. A large part of his works can be found at the Monnier Foundation in Cartigny.


This artwork offers a striking interpretation of an urban landscape, enveloped in a palette of earthy, monochrome hues. The artist employs a bold technique, using energetic, textured brushstrokes to create a sense of movement and dynamism. The structures appear both imposing and mysterious, capturing the essence of ancient architecture eroded by time. The dominant color is a rich earthy brown, contrasting with white and black accents that add depth and dimension to the scene. This layered use of color and texture gives the image an almost spectral atmosphere, evoking a ghost town frozen in history. The architectural details, although suggested rather than defined, leave room for interpretation, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in an exploration of the imagination. Each element of the work contributes to an overall impression of silent movement, as if we were observing a visual memory blurred by the passage of centuries. This painting is not only a visual representation, but an invitation to contemplate transience and persistence, the interaction between urbanity and nature. In short, this art captures the imagination and leaves a lasting resonance, both emotionally and intellectually.