Monet in Mind – Matthew Arnold Bracy Smith

Posted: 25th June 2021

Sir Matthew Arnold Bracy SMITH
b.1879 – d.1959
Environs d’Antibes, France 1934-1938
Oil on Canvas
Sir Matthew Arnold Bracy Smith had to struggle against parental approval to pursue his artistic talent.
Smith was called up to serve in the First World War, after which he moved to France where he attended Matisse’s artist’s school.
He was heavily inspired by Fauvism, characterised by a use of strong colours within his compositions.
He used alla prima, or ‘wet-on-wet’, technique to allow the freedom of expression and spontaneity he so desired within his work. Smith’s shy personality is in contrast to his flamboyant, bright colour palette.

Antibes was a source of inspiration for many artists. Read our new blog on Artists in Antibes here