Michel Delacroix (painter)

Michel Delacroix (1933 – 2022) was a French Naïve artist known for his depictions of a nostalgic, idealized Paris, particularly of the pre-World War II era. His paintings often feature snow-covered streets, gas lamps, and vintage automobiles, capturing a romanticized, timeless quality. Delacroix intentionally avoided modern elements in his work, aiming to evoke a sense of peace, tranquility, and simpler times.

Born in Paris, Delacroix did not begin painting until he was in his late 30s. He developed a distinct style characterized by flat perspective, meticulous detail, and a soft, muted color palette. His work is often categorized as belonging to the "Naïve" or "Primitive" art movement, indicating a self-taught approach and a lack of adherence to traditional artistic conventions like realistic perspective or anatomical accuracy.

Delacroix's paintings achieved considerable popularity, particularly in the United States. He exhibited widely, and his works are held in numerous private and public collections. He described his artistic intention as capturing the “Paris of my childhood,” a Paris that existed in his memory and imagination, free from the complexities and anxieties of the modern world. He is regarded as one of the most significant contemporary Naïve artists.