Guy Pene Du Bois

by Betsy Fahlman

"Best known for his work in the second quarter of the twentieth century, Guy Pene du Bois (1884-1958) was one of America's most stylish painters, a keen observer of the social scene around him who deftly captured the sophisticated spirit of his era with a wit both subtle and effective. His earliest works were strongly influenced by his teacher, painter Robert Henri. Inspired by Henri to paint the life he knew, Pene du Bois found his distinctive vision in the lively spectacle of human interaction." "As did many of his peers, Pene du Bois traveled to France early in his career, and the pieces he executed abroad are infused with a French spirit. He found his subjects wherever people gathered - at cafes, at the opera, in the public gardens - and when he returned to America he broadened his range of subjects to include lawyers, performers, politicians, people at the races, and visitors to art galleries and museums." "Pene du Bois was pulled in several career directions for much of his profe