The Provençal school designates a group of artists who painted Provence, its light, its landscapes, its traditions, from the 18th to the 20th century. These painters captured the soul of this Mediterranean region, rich in colors and contrasts. They were also influenced by the great artistic movements of their time, such as romanticism, realism, impressionism or fauvism. Among the precursors of the Provencal school, we can mention Emile Loubon (1809-1863), director of the Marseille drawing school, who encouraged his students to leave the studio and work outdoors. He is considered the founder of the Provencal school. Vincent Courdouan (1810-1893), his successor, painted very classical, constructed and precise landscapes. Paul Guigou (1834-1871) tried to translate the aridity of sun-drenched landscapes, and his realistic vision already broke with academicism. Adolphe Monticelli (1824-1886) is probably the most famous of the Provençal painters. He developed a particular technique, based on thick paste and contrasting colors, which earned him the admiration of Van Gogh. He painted genre scenes, still lifes, landscapes and seascapes. He is considered a precursor of fauvism and expressionism. In the 20th century, the Provençal school experienced a new boom with artists such as Jean-Baptiste Olive (1848-1936), who specialized in seascapes, Pierre Ambrogiani (1905-1994), who used bright and pure colors, or Antoine Ferrari (born in 1910), who mixed abstract and figurative in his still lifes. We can also mention Auguste Chabaud (1882-1955), who paints a more austere and rural Provence, or René Seyssaud (1867-1952), who expresses the sensuality and the joy of living in the region. The Provençal school cannot be reduced to a single style or to a precise period. It is rather a common sensibility of artists who loved and represented Provence in all its diversity and beauty.

Provençal painting holds a unique place in the world of art, largely due to the natural beauty of the region that has inspired artists for centuries. In this article, we will explore the legacy of Provençal painting, its influence on modern and contemporary art movements, and its continued importance in art today. Legacy of Provençal Painting The natural beauty of the region has inspired many artists, particularly during the French Renaissance when Provence was an important center of art in France. In the 19th century, many French artists such as Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh settled in Provence and created remarkable works that contributed to the legacy of Provençal painting. Influence of Provençal Painting on Modern and Contemporary Art Movements Provençal painting has influenced many modern and contemporary art movements. Impressionists, such as Claude Monet, were influenced by the unique light of Provence and created works that reflect this influence. The Fauves, an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century, were also inspired by Provençal painting, particularly by the bold use of color and light. Provençal Painting in Art Today Provençal painting continues to have significant importance in art today. Contemporary artists still use the landscapes and colors of Provence as a source of inspiration to create works that reflect the natural beauty of the region. Provençal painting is also an important element of tourism in the region, where visitors can admire the landscapes that have inspired artists for centuries. Provençal painting holds a unique place in the world of art due to its historical legacy, influence on modern and contemporary art movements, and continued importance in art today. Artists continue to be inspired by the natural beauty of Provence, creating works that reflect the unique light and colors of the region. Provençal painting is an important element of the history and culture of the region, as well as a significant contribution to French and world art.