Jean Morax (Morat)

 

(1869-1939)

 

Le Lavaux au couchant

 

This exquisite pastel of the setting sun over lake Geneva and the vineyards of Lavaux clearly shows the influence of the Nabis and Vuillard on this Vaudois landscape painter and theater designer.

 

 

Pastel on paper

 

Dimensions: 40 X 29 cm
(not including frame and mat size)

 

Jean Morax
Born September 16.9.1869 in Morges - Died May 11, 1939 in Morges

 

Jean Morax was born in Morges where his father Dr. Jean-Marc Morax was the head of the Cantonal Health Services. He studied under Edouard Castres in Geneva and then left for Paris where he spent several years studying under Luc Olivier Merson, Jean Benjamin-Constant et Jean-Paul Laurens. He received a bronze medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1900 for his painting "Vendanges."

 

Returning to Switzerland, Morat became equally known for his work for the theatre as a set and costume designer. He worked principally for the Théâtre du Jorat in Mézières, frequently also creating the posters for theatrical productions there. He designed the costumes for the 1905 edition of the Fete de Vignerons in Vevey

His work was deeply influenced by the Nabis, in particular Edouard Vuillard and Felix Valloton.