Oil on canvas, *Au frais*, by Leslie Robert Poole Smith
Oil on canvas, *Au frais*, by Leslie Robert Poole Smith
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Leslie Robert Poole Smith 1881–1927
Leslie Robert Poole-Smith was a New Zealand painter born on November 7, 1881, in Dunedin, New Zealand, and died on May 29, 1927, in Épisy, France.
A New Zealand-born artist, he spent most of his career in Europe, primarily in England and France, where he became part of the figurative movement of the early 20th century, while developing a unique sensitivity to everyday life and nature.
Further information
| Dimensions | 63.5 × 94 cm |
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Poole-Smith began his artistic training in England before continuing his studies in Paris, most likely at the Académie Julian, which was renowned for welcoming foreign students eager to hone their painting and drawing skills.
Based in France, Poole-Smith exhibits regularly and has gained recognition in the European art world:
Royal Academy, London (1912 and 1913): a prestigious showcase for emerging and established artists, offering Poole-Smith international exposure.
Salon des Artistes Français, Paris (1920 and 1922): a highly influential official exhibition that confirmed his integration into the Parisian art scene.
Leslie Robert Poole-Smith’s style is characterized by refined figurative art, precise and expressive lines, and a harmonious, subtle palette that highlights the light, textures, and depth of the scenes.
Here, the elegant figure turns her head toward the viewer, establishing direct eye contact that lends both presence and immediacy to the scene.
His main themes include genre scenes and everyday life, featuring portraits of people in their social or domestic settings that capture interactions, gestures, and intimate moments.
He also paints landscapes and natural environments, paying close attention to atmospheres, seasons, and natural elements, as well as depictions of birds and other animals where scientific precision blends with artistic sensitivity.
His elegant portraits and figures explore posture, expressions, and character, revealing the psychology and personality of his subjects.