Derain, André (1880-1954)
Le peintre et sa famille (The Painter and his Family)
c.1939
Oil on canvas, 176.5 x 123.8 cm
Tate Britain, London
This symbolic painting represents the life of an artist. It is an invented scene. Despite usually working alone in his studio, here Derain paints himself surrounded by his family. Through the deployment of figures, animals, and objects Derain expresses his personal philosophy as an artist. His wife reads a book of myths, signalling their shared literary interests. His niece holds a dog, a medieval symbol of loyalty. His sister-in-law serves refreshments, her pose recalling earlier European paintings which had influenced Derain. The animals and fruit are also symbolic, alluding to various esoteric and artistic themes. (Tate)
See also:
• Derain, Alice (1884-1975)