MATTERA Laurent
Laurent MATTERA (born 1974) draws Metz and its heritage: the Temple Neuf, the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the railway station, the Porte des Allemands. His original ink drawings are signed and dated, and he also creates commissioned views.
Laurent MatteraMetz in InkLine by Line
A passionate draughtsman since childhood, Laurent MATTERA has made Metz his field of observation. Working in black ink and wash, he captures its monuments with the precision of an architectural draughtsman and the freedom of an artist.
Laurent MATTERA's Career
Drawing has been with him throughout his life. From this childhood pleasure he has developed a demanding practice, focused on architecture and the city. He works on paper, in the format 42 x 29.5 cm, and signs each sheet with his monogram followed by the year. Work after work, his views form a true graphic chronicle of the city of Metz.
A Graphic Language in the Service of Metz
Bold low-angle views, tight framing, emphatic vanishing lines: his views of Metz are recognisable at first glance. The Temple Neuf rises behind the arches of the Moyen Pont, the Saint-Étienne cathedral raises its Gothic lacework, the railway station displays its clock tower, the Porte des Allemands, a medieval bridge-castle over the Seille, asserts its mass, and the arcades of the Place Saint-Louis stretch their shadows across the paving. Like Bernard Buffet in his views of Paris, he makes the black line the framework of the image, which grey wash and a few touches of colour then illuminate.
Laurent MATTERA at Galerie 125
Galerie 125, based in Argancy on the outskirts of Metz, presents above its original drawings: authentic views of Metz, far from the postcard, available to purchase online and shipped with care, by tracked and insured delivery.
Laurent MATTERA also takes commissions: a monument of Metz, a family home, a village in Moselle, a view of Thionville, Nancy, Luxembourg or elsewhere. Write to us to discuss your project.
Where to buy an original drawing of Metz?
At Galerie 125, near Metz, which offers views of the city hand-drawn by Laurent MATTERA, online or by appointment in Argancy.
Does Laurent MATTERA take commissions?
Yes: monuments, houses or landscapes of Metz, Lorraine and beyond, based on a photograph or a location of your choice.
What technique does Laurent MATTERA use?
Black ink, grey wash and graphite, sometimes heightened with coloured pencil, on paper measuring 42 x 29.5 cm.