| LeRoy Neiman had always found Paris irresistible. He took a studio there in the early 1960's and was awarded a gold medal for oil painting at the Salon d'Art Moderne. His frequent return visits have resulted in some of the artist's finest work. "Cafe Rive Gauche" is a delightful example. From a series of studies and sketches e completed along the Quai de la Tournelle, the artist has created his own imaginary cafe. Neiman selected from among the most intriguing figures in his sketchbook to create the cafe's sundry patrons. In the lower right hand corner of the serigraph, a somber pensioner studies his newspaper, oblivious to the stunning redhead who reads over his shoulder. Nearby, a dapper, solidly built gentleman sits alone and gazes distractedly from beneath his bowler, waiting for his cafe filtre to cool. He pays no attention to the regal, mustachioed figure to his right, at the left of the image, whose imposing bearing suggests a military background. Outside, distinctive Parisian streetlamps stand sentinel. A local gendarme surveys the cafe's interior, as a young couple speeds by on their motorcycle. As the right rear, one can make out the flying buttresses and unmistakable silhouette of Notre Dame de Paris. Singers sing, poseurs pose, and lovers embrace. Neiman has brought to life in his "Cafe Rive Gauche" a small cross-section of Paris, using the bold colors and attentive eye which have made him so popular. Rich shades of red and vigorous strokes of yellow seem to echo the animated conversation and swirls of strong tobacco smoke. One can almost sense that, here is this vibrant atmosphere, the artist is in his element. |
