Gen Paul

(Paris 1895 - 1975 Paris)

Gen Paul, born Eugène Paul, enters a three-year training course in painting and decorating in 1909. He serves on the frontlines in 1914–16, suffering severe injuries that necessitate the amputation of his right leg. In 1916, he first tries his hand at painting. In 1917, the self-taught artist meets Maurice Utrillo. His work is exhibited in the Salon d’Automne in 1920. He travels to Spain in 1922 and paints his first circus pictures in 1923. Over the following years, Gen Paul tours France, Spain, Italy, and the United States. An exhibition at Galerie Henri Bing, Paris, in 1928 is a major success. In 1929, he signs a deal with the prestigious Galerie Bernheim-Jeune.