Camille Roche, Undergrowth, Oil Painting on Canvas, 1930s

This 1930s oil painting on canvas by French artist and decorator Camille Roche (1894-1948) depicts a forest undergrowth, featuring a large tree covered in foliage, surrounded by slender trees and dense bushes. Its sumptuous palette of deep greens and reds contrasts with the softer yellows and pinks, capturing the rich variations of autumn colours. Painterly brushwork adds texture to the grass, foliage, and bushes, while the elongated shapes of the trees bring movement to the scene. Delicate lines are scratched into the surface of the painting, introducing an additional layer of structure over hazy patches of colour. Roche employs a striking array of techniques to convey depth and texture, creating a poetic and immersive depiction of nature. Coming from the artist’s studio, this rare work is presented in a black and gold frame.

Camille Roche (1894-1948) was a French Art Deco artist and decorator renowned for his keen observations of nature and animals. A regular exhibitor at the Salon d’Automne, he created striking frescoes and painted decors for notable figures such as the writer Colette and Coco Chanel. In the 1930s, Roche frequently collaborated with his brother, renowned designer Serge Roche, contributing frescoes to various projects. His artistic range encompassed oil paintings, frescoes, screens, and glasswork, demonstrating his remarkable adaptability across different mediums