Pierre Gaston Rigaud
French, 1874-1949
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Pierre Gaston Rigaud was born in Bordeaux, April 4, 1874, died 1949. Rigaud was mainly known for his marine scenes, landscapes and church interiors. He studied with d'Albert Maignan and with Bonnat. Rigaud became a member of the Society des Artistes Francais in 1906.
After this appointment, he became a main figure in the Salon exhibitions and began exhibiting with the Independents. Rigaud was invited to have a National exhibition with the Salons de Automne at the Tuileries in 1920 where he was awarded a Silver medal. In 1923, Rigaud was awarded a Gold medal.
Pierre Gaston Rigaud dedicated his entire life achieving and developing his unique style. He also became very active and involved in the artistic society in Paris. He was a teacher who spent a great deal of energy helping young artists achieve their career dreams. He and Henri de Toulause-Lautec shared a studio in Paris to help each other through difficult times.
Rigaud had very little concern with public opinion of his paintings. He painted plein-aire around his home in Corse. He sold very few paintings during his lifetime because he remained so dedicated to the truth of nature, style and subject. He was considered a purist, so most of his very important impressionistic paintings remained with the family and a few small French museums.