“Douceur de Mai” by Jean-Pierre Cassigneul is a striking example of the artist’s signature style, blending elements of post-impressionism with a dreamlike elegance. The composition features a sophisticated woman seated at a small round table in a lush garden, her posture exuding a sense of quiet contemplation. She wears a stylish black skirt, sheer stockings, high-heeled shoes, and a sleeveless blouse. A fur stole drapes over her shoulders, adding to the air of luxury and nostalgia.
The setting is rich with vibrant greenery and blooming flowers, with bold red and white blossoms contrasting against the deep green foliage. On the table, a single fig rests on a white plate, a subtle yet evocative detail that contributes to the overall mood of introspection and fleeting beauty. The scene feels timeless, capturing both the serenity of nature and the elegance of the woman.
Cassigneul’s work often portrays women in poetic, dreamlike settings, and Douceur de Mai exemplifies this with its harmonious blend of fashion, nature, and emotion. The painting invites viewers into a world of beauty and quiet reflection, where the interplay of color, light, and texture creates a lasting impression.

Jean-Pierre Cassigneul is a French painter and visual artist most famous for his post-impressionistic portraits of women in flowery hats. His inspiration came from the revolutionary Les Nabis, Fauvist and Expressionist movements that dominated the early 20th century, represented by such artists as Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard and Kees van Dongen.

Jean-Pierre Cassigneul was born on July 13, 1935, in Paris, France and studied at the École des Beaux Arts before holding his first solo exhibition there at the age of 17. A year later, he was appointed a member of the Salon d’Automne. From 1956 to 1960 he studied under the French painter Roger Chapelain-Midy, and from 1965 onwards he exhibited at the Gallery Bellechasse in Paris. Since then he has exhibited across Europe, Japan, and the United States, and has also illustrated several books, among them Le Tour de Malheur by Joseph Kessel.

Cassigneul has enjoyed tremendous success since that first showing at the age of 17. His work is a product of a long tradition in French modern art. His work uses elements of representation that came before him and reorganizes them into a visual style that is all his own. With masterpieces for over six decades, Cassigneul has formed a body of work that will forever hold a place of prominence in the annals of French modern art.