Moise Kisling Art for Sale: Prints & Originals

Moise
Kisling

Moïse Kisling, a Polish-French painter known for his distinctive portraits and landscapes, was an influential figure in the early 20th-century Parisian art scene. If you’re looking for original Moïse Kisling prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.

Biography

Moïse Kisling was born in 1891 in Kraków, Poland. He began his art education at the School of Fine Arts in Kraków before moving to Paris in 1910, where he became part of the community of Montparnasse associated with Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall. Kisling's early works were heavily influenced by the Fauvist and Cubist movements, reflecting the avant-garde spirit of the time.

Kisling's style emerged during the 1920s, characterised by vibrant colours and smooth, elongated forms, particularly in his portraits of women. His landscapes, often of the South of France, exhibit a vivid use of colour and light, capturing the essence of Mediterranean beauty. Kisling’s work was celebrated for its balance between modernist innovation and classical elegance, making him a sought-after portraitist in Paris.

Despite the upheavals of World War II, Kisling continued to paint while in exile in the United States, maintaining his signature style. After the war, he returned to France, where he resumed his career, participating in exhibitions and maintaining his reputation as a leading Modernist painter. Kisling's legacy is one of blending traditional and modern styles, creating a unique body of work that reflects the diversity and complexity of the early 20th century.

His impact extended beyond his lifetime, with his works being celebrated for their contribution to modern art's narrative. Notable pieces like Nu Assis, a striking portrayal of sensuality and form, and Portrait De Jean Cocteau, which captures the French writer with acute psychological depth, are testaments to his mastery and critical eye.

Due to his Jewish heritage, Kisling fled to the United States during World War II. Despite the challenges of exile, he continued to create, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to his craft. This period in America allowed him to connect with other expatriate artists, enriching his style with diverse influences and broadening his network. His work from this time reflects a vibrant adaptation to new environments, while maintaining the essence of his European roots.
Kisling was known for his portraits, particularly of women, which were characterised by their vibrant colours and smooth, elongated forms. These portraits, while rooted in Modernism, also reflect his classical training and appreciation for traditional beauty. A prime example of this style is his portrait Portrait of Paulette Jourdain, which showcases his unique approach to form and colour, blending modernist techniques with a classical sensibility.