Francis Gruber, (French, 1912-1948)
Untitled, (Figures on a Country Path)
signed F. Gruber, l.l., dated u.r. 1933, with signature plaque, stretcher with an inventory number in red, R-2621
oil on canvas
9.5 by 14 in., in a gilt frame, marked Richard Toby, Los Angeles14.5 by 19 in.


Cf. Francis Gruber (1912 –1948) was a French painter, founder of the Nouveau Realisme school, and often credited as the founder of the Miserabiliste movement.

He was born in Nancy, France, began painting at a very young age, with his first exhibition at the age of 18. When most artists were engaged with abstraction, Gruber preferred to paint human figures that were elongated and highly sculpted. In 1936, he had his first solo exhibition at the Academie Ranson. During the 1930s, the artist became friends with the renowned Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti who he often took inspiration from.

Small loss of paint, but repainted, dent to canvas, otherwise good condition.