Jeanne Besnard-Fortin (french 1892-1978) Oil on Canvas "Paris, Les Quais - proche du grand Palais" c. 1930. Signed lower left, framed in gilt frame. In frame measures 27"x18" x1". Stretcher 24x15. Weight 3pds 12 oz. PROVENANCE: From the Private Paris, France and Charleston SC Collection of J. Marterer, author of Paris 201, the Winner of the Benjamin Franklin Awards - GOLD MEDAL (Travel) and Independent Publisher Awards - SILVER MEDAL (Travel). Jeanne Mathilde Marie Besnard-Fortin exhibited in Paris from 1927 both at the Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts and at the Salon des Independants. Her studio was a favourite meeting-place for the cosmopolitan artists of Montparnasse in the 1930s. Reacting against the conservatism of the official salons, she was one of those who, with Mane-Katz, Clovis Trouille and Gonzalez, formed the group of Surindependants in 1933. She exhibited at the Galerie Carmine, Rue de Seine, as did Kisling, Andre Lhote and Roland Oudot, and took an active part in setting up the Groupe de l'Amitie, (Friendship Group), which began to exhibit in 1934 and included among others Charchoune, Terechkovitch and Mane-Katz. She was a favorite among critics.

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