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Ambroise VollardOne of the most significant art dealers (marchands) in Paris in the late XIX - early years. XX centuries
Date of Birth: 03.07.1866
Country:  France |
Content:
Ambroise Vollard: A Biography
Ambroise Vollard was one of the most significant art dealers (marchands) in Paris in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He provided both financial and moral support to numerous famous and unknown artists, including Cézanne, Maillol, Picasso, Rouault, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. Vollard was also known as a collector and publisher.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in the French colony of Réunion, Ambroise Vollard was the son of a notary. He studied law in Montpellier and later at the School of Law in Paris, graduating in 1888. During his years of study, he worked as a clerk for an art dealer and gradually developed a passion for art. In 1893, Vollard founded his own art gallery on Rue Laffitte, which became a central hub for the Parisian market of contemporary art.
Art Dealer and Patron
Vollard organized his first major exhibitions at his gallery, showcasing artists such as Monet, followed by Gauguin, and the first posthumous exhibition of Van Gogh in 1895. He also organized the first solo exhibition of Cézanne in 1904, and later did the same for Matisse. Vollard played a crucial role in promoting and "discovering" these artists.
Despite his reputation as a shrewd businessman, Vollard was known for his gruff demeanor. He acquired his wealth through the motto "buy cheap, sell high." Among his clients were Gertrude Stein, her brother Leo, Sergei Shchukin, Ivan Morozov, Albert C. Barnes, and H. O. Havemeyer. Later in his career, Vollard wrote biographies of Cézanne, Degas, and Renoir.
Tragic End
Ambroise Vollard tragically died in a car accident in 1939 at the age of 73. His chauffeur-driven car veered off the road, resulting in his untimely demise. Vollard passed away without direct heirs. According to his will, his art collection was distributed among distant relatives and close friends. However, a significant number of valuable masterpieces were sold, lost, or stolen during the early years of the war.
Cézanne: One of Vollard's most significant successes was his purchase of Cézanne's works. He acquired the entire workshop of the relatively unknown artist for a small sum and thus helped establish his name in the art world.
Gauguin: While the artist lived in Tahiti, Vollard maintained close contact with him and bought up all the works he produced there. This gave Vollard near monopoly over Gauguin's Tahitian artworks and provided the artist with the means to continue his secluded life.
Picasso: Ambroise Vollard had close connections with Picasso during the artist's Rose and Blue periods. In 1901, Vollard organized Picasso's first exhibition. However, Vollard did not appreciate Cubism and severed their collaboration. They reunited in 1937 when Picasso created a graphic series of etchings about the Minotaur specifically for Vollard, known as the "Vollard Suite."
Chagall: Vollard supported Chagall during his years of emigration, commissioning him to illustrate works by Gogol and La Fontaine. Later, Chagall also illustrated the Bible for Vollard.
