Born in 1871 in Iasi, Theodor Pallady first studied Engineering in Dresden, at the famous Technical School, until 1889, at the same time studying drawing with Erwin Oehme, a prestigious artist and teacher. Later, Pallady moved to Paris, to pursue his artistic career, enrolled at the Academie des Beaux-Arts and worked in the studio of Jean Arman, who was surprised by the young painter's talent and devotion.
It was in 1892 that Theodor Pallady began working in the studio of Gustave Moreau where he met Henri Matisse, the great French master later becoming one of the Romanian painter's closeste friends. He also attended the classes of Puvis de Chavannes, who would prove to be somewhat of an influence, especially when it came to drawing and choice of colours.
After 1904 Theodor Pallady returned to Romania and had his first solo exhibitions, mainly at the official Saloons, with amazing success for an artist who was at the beginning. He would have several such shows, sold quite a few of his works, and was very much appreciated in the pages of art magazines. Art collectors began noticing this new painter, and his value on the art market began to grow. In 1924, 1940 and 1942 he exhibited also at the Venice Biennale, which further increased his popularity. He died in Bucharest, in 1956.
One of the greatest and most influential modern Romanian artists, Theodor Pallady had both an astounding native talent and a serious and professional trainting. Familiarised with great European art, influenced by Art Nouveau and Fauvism, he managed to find his own style that combined all these elements, at the same time keeping it unique and easily recognisable. Many of his best works were still-lifes and landscapes, and he always tried - and succeeded - to offer his viewers a new experience : strong colours, powerful lines, an interesting light and darkness play, memorable works.
Due to his closeness to the French art world and especially the Paris art scene, Pallady - for all of his life - remained in touch with the new trends, themes and techniques, and despite keeping his manner, he wasn't afraid to experiment. A great artist, one of the Romanian masters, very high in demand at art auctions, he is still known and admired. A great name which shouldn't be ever forgotten.
