Henri Sauvage (1873-1932) was one of the most important architects in French Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and the beginning of architectural modernism. His most recognised Art Nouveau work is the Villa Majorelle in Nancy.
In 1897, Sauvage went to Brussels, where he worked with architect Paul Saintenoy, one of the pioneers of the Art Nouveau. He also saw and studied the work of Paul Hankar and Victor Horta.
Villa Majorelle 1901-1902
In 1898, Henri received a commission from the furniture designer Louis Majorelle to construct an Art Nouveau villa in the city of Nancy, located close to the new furniture workshops Majorelle was building.
Henri Sauvage the Artist
Henri Sauvage was a complex character taking an active interest in many forms of art. As well as being an accomplished artist he also played and composed music
Sauvage was a sub-lieutenant during the First World War. His observations of the horrors and the privations of ordinary soldiers inspired many drawings, most of which have been lost. The pen and ink drawing below was completed after the war.
The soldiers climb up the mountain in a tight group to arrive at a press operated by Death at the summit. Their blood runs down the other side of the mountain.
