Lê Phổ 1907–2001
Lê Phổ was born in Vietnam in 1907 during the French colonial era. He received early exposure to art due to his family's relative wealth and his father's high-ranking position in the colonial administration. Influenced by the French presence in Vietnam, Lê Phổ's education at the École Supérieure des Beaux Arts de l'Indochine laid the groundwork for his future as an artist. Under the guidance of the Vietnam-based sculptor Gustave Hierholtz, Lê Phổ developed his skills and prepared for his transition to Paris, where he further refined his craft.
Arriving in Paris in 1930, Lê Phổ immersed himself in the vibrant artistic scene of the city. His participation in the International Exposition in Paris in 1937 marked a significant milestone in his career, leading to his first solo exhibition the following year. Over time, Lê Phổ's work evolved through distinct stylistic phases, reflecting his experiences and surroundings. From nostalgic depictions of Vietnamese landscapes to darker imagery inspired by World War II and social unrest, and finally to his most recognizable period featuring Vietnamese women in lush landscapes, Lê Phổ demonstrated remarkable versatility as an artist. Part of his continuing appeal is how fluidly he blends Eastern and Western approaches to visual representation.
Despite his international success, Lê Phổ maintained a strong connection to his Vietnamese roots. He continued to depict scenes from Vietnamese life, often portraying elongated female figures through a combination of Impressionism and Surrealism. Lê Phổ's impact extended beyond his artwork, as he also contributed to the artistic community back in Vietnam as a teacher at the École Supérieure des Beaux Arts de l'Indochine. While Lê Phổ died in 2001, his legacy endures today through a diverse body of work, which is celebrated and sought after by collectors worldwide. Along with having compositions held by several notable institutions, like the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris and the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts in Hanoi, the secondary market for Lê Phổ has surged in recent years, as his paintings command ever higher prices at auction.
