Andre Gisson (Anders Gittelson) 1921-2003
Well known for his twentieth century views of Paris and Impressionistic landscapes, still lifes and portraits, Andre Gisson was actually born in Brooklyn, New York, as Anders Gittelson in 1921. In the 1940′s Gittelson joined the Army Corps of Engineers and traveled extensively in Japan, Paris and the French countryside helping to repair the damage of World War II. Returning to New York he obtained a scholarship to the Pratt Institute and began developing the style of American Impressionism that led to his adoption of the persona of a French artist painting Parisian scenes. As a struggling artist he was greatly desirous of appearing more cosmopolitan than his Brooklyn background would support, and to connect his work to that of the much admired European impressionists.
Leaving the City, Gittleson moved first to the Lake Mahopac region in upstate New York where he lived and painted before moving to his ultimate home base in Westport, Connecticut. Gittleson was careful to maintain his “French” persona for his clientele, even to backdating his birth to 1910 so it appeared he was aging as his output increased and to reinforce the perception that his work was somehow related to the great Impressionistic artists of Europe that he so admired. He was represented by numerous galleries throughout the U.S. and in London; many of them supported his subterfuge; one even went so far as to announce that Gisson “was born outside Paris”, which – of course – was literally true.
Andre Gisson oil painting, Figures Picnicking by the Seine
In addition to his evocative Parisian street scenes, Gisson’s landscapes, beach scenes and figural work with their muted hues and soft tones most clearly reflect the influence of his travels in France and immersion in the European tradition impressionism. In the alternative his still lifes are more reflective of his experiences in Japan and tend to be serene and atmospheric.
Gisson died in 2003.
Reference note by p4A editorial staff, 06.09