An oil painting on canvas, *Roxane* by Paul Albert Laurens
An oil painting on canvas, *Roxane* by Paul Albert Laurens
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Paul-Albert Laurens (1870–1934)
is a French painter, draftsman, and illustrator, born in Paris into a family of artists.
Son of academic painter Jean-Paul Laurens and brother of sculptor Jean-Pierre Laurens, he grew up in an environment deeply marked by the rigor of drawing and a taste for history.
From an early age, he showed a solid talent for observation and composition, which he perfected at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he received the exacting instruction that is to be found throughout his work.
In 1891, his talent was recognized when he was awarded the Second Grand Prix de Rome, one of the most prestigious distinctions for a young artist.
He then pursued a brilliant career, punctuated by numerous awards.
In 1900, he was awarded a gold medal at the Universal Exhibition, followed in 1910 by the Prix Henner,
followed by his nomination as Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur, proof of his established place on the French art scene.
Further information
| Dimensions | 70 × 80 cm |
|---|
A versatile artist, Paul-Albert Laurens stands out for his sensitive paintings, often inspired by literature, mythology or historical repertory.
His precise line and subtle palette make him a sought-after illustrator.
It was in this field that he gained particular renown, thanks to his attachment to the works of Edmond Rostand, in particular Cyrano de Bergerac.
Seduced by the poetic force of the text and the heroic modernity of the character, Laurens produced several illustrations for editions of Cyrano de Bergerac, as well as paintings such as ours.
Throughout his career, Paul-Albert Laurens exhibited regularly at the Salon and pursued a body of work nourished by humanist culture, dominated by a taste for narrative, noble gesture and a keen sense of pictorial storytelling.
This oil painting on canvas by Paul-Albert Laurens depicts Roxane, the central character in Edmond Rostand’s famous play *Cyrano de Bergerac*.
The artist captures her grace and delicacy in a moment of contemplation, as she appears lost in thought, perhaps on a balcony or in an intimate setting—typical of scenes where Roxane is daydreaming or waiting.
The painting is distinguished by fluid, delicate brushstrokes that lend a luminous quality to Roxane’s skin and a sense of lightness to her dress. The soft, subtle color palette enhances the romantic and introspective atmosphere. Her pose, with her chin resting on her hand, perfectly captures the character’s thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and nostalgia.
The neutral background highlights Roxane’s figure, drawing attention to her expression and emotional presence.
Roxane is the emotional and romantic heart of *Cyrano de Bergerac* (1897), a play written by Edmond Rostand. Cyrano, a poet and swordsman with a large nose, is secretly in love with Roxane but hesitates to confess his feelings because of his appearance.
He helps Christian, a handsome but uneducated young soldier, win Roxane’s heart by providing him with love letters and romantic words. Roxane embodies intelligence, refinement, and sensitivity, and she is at the center of the passions and dilemmas that unfold in the story.
Through this painting, Laurens succeeds in conveying Roxane’s elegance, fragility, and emotional depth, capturing the romantic charm and dramatic tension that make her a timeless figure in French literature and theater.