François Martin-Kavel
French, 1861–1931
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François Martin-Kavel was a French genre painter. Best known for his idealized portraits of women, his work often depicts them in exoticized costumes or in titillating states of undress. Martin-Kavel notably often painted his figures in centered compositions surrounded by dark fabric backgrounds, theatrically lit as though by spotlight.
In addition to his popular portrairts, he was also known for his still lifes and landscapes. Born on May 25, 1846, Martin-Kavel was a regular exhibitor at the Salon des Artistes Français. As a member of the salon, he was awarded a medal for his work in 1881. The artist died in 1909.