André Gisson (American, 1921-2003)
"Pastoral Landscape"
Signed lower left: "A. Gisson"
Oil on canvas
Image: 23 1/2" x 35 1/2"
Framed: 31 1/4" x 43 1/4"

Bio: A man who shrouded himself in myth in order to enhance his artistic reputation, Andre Gisson is most famous for his still lifes, portraits, and figure paintings. A struggling New York artist in the early twentieth century, Gisson (born Anders Gittelson) changed his name, claimed to be French and lied about his age in order to be more closely aligned with the founders of Impressionism. Due to his employment in the Army Corps of Engineers after WWII, Gisson was exposed to a wealth of art as he worked in Europe and Asia. Gisson’s still-lifes show Japanese influence, while the French influence (and his adopted Francophile persona) are more pronounced in his landscapes, beach scenes and human figure studies. Although Gisson created the mythology surrounding his reputation, Gisson’s pieces quieted whatever criticisms there were regarding his public persona. His paintings can be found in the collections of the Smithsonian and the Triton Museum of Art, as well as part of the private collections of W. Somerset Maugham and President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Condition reports are available from Stefek's upon request. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion, and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Stefek's Ltd. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.