The Musée Regards de Provence does a great job focusing on local artists who haven’t had much national recognition and their latest show, David Dellepiane arts et modernité, is a case in point.
Born in 1866 to a Genoese family, Dellepiane came to Marseille aged 9 and was brought up between the old port and the cathedral, in other words right next to where the exhibition is being held.
After art school in Marseille, he went to Paris where he was subjected to different influences at a period of great change in fine art – so the exhibition shows his style influenced by art nouveau, pointillisme, Japanese prints. Back in Marseille from 1890, he settled down to painting portraits plus local scenes, often as illustrations for calendars.
L’Arrivée du paquebot, painted for a calendar
Fortunately for him, the port of Marseille was growing fast with links across to north Africa and the east, and he became well-known as an affichiste – his posters were to be seen all across the city.
His poster celebrating Marseille’s 25th centenary shows 
legendary figures Gyptis and Protis in art nouveau style. He went on to produce posters for the colonial exhibitions of 1906 and 1922 as well as programmes and work for the companies maritimes, big players in early 20th century Marseille.
He worked with the new tourist offices to attract visitors to the area, such as the poster for Provence (right).
It’s a colourful exhibition and on show at the Musée Regards de Provence until 19th March.
Details: http://www.museeregardsdeprovence.com/exposition/david-dellepiane-le-magicien-de-la-couleur
If you haven’t visited this gallery, it is superbly sited next to the docks. Lots of people-and-boat-watching to be had from the café on the roof-top terrace!
aixcentric 
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