Michel Ciry : A Master of the Original and Narrative Painting

Michel Ciry, born in 1919 in La Baule and died in 2018 in Varengeville-sur-Mer, is a major figure in 20th century French art. Renowned mainly for his engravings, paintings and watercolours, his work is distinguished by a narrative and introspective approach, offering a unique exploration of human and spiritual themes.

A unique artistic journey

Trained at the Estienne School in Paris, Michel Ciry began as a engraver before he devoted himself to painting, watercolour and writing. His art, full of symbolism and emotion, is inspired as much by his personal experiences as by his religious convictions. His portraits, in particular, capture with rare intensity the psychological depth of his models.

In painting, Michel Ciry explores a narrow palette, often dominated by soft and sober tones, reinforcing the intensity of his subjects. His paintings depict human figures, melancholic landscapes and scenes marked by great sobriety, emphasizing the contemplative character of his art. These works, both poignant and spiritual, are part of an introspective pictorial tradition that is not without reminiscent of the approach of Bernard Buffet or Erté, also present on Gallery125.

Since the 1940s, his engravings and paintings have attracted the attention of critics and collectors. He exhibited in Paris, New York and other major capitals, bringing his talent far beyond French borders. His work was rewarded with numerous distinctions, including the National Grand Prix for the Arts in 1974.

Themes and influences

Michel Ciry's works explore universal themes: loneliness, faith, melancholy and introspection. His style, characterized by precise lines and a subtle palette, sometimes evokes the rigour of classical engraving while sanctifying in narrative modernity.

His contemporaries, such as Georges Rouault and Bernard Buffet, share a similar sensitivity to the human condition. Rouault's works, available on Galerie125, reflect a common spiritual research and taste for the powerful contrasts between light and darkness.

Michel CRY "The Solitude of Jesus" Oil painting on canvas 40x40cm

The engraved work: an art in its own right

Michel Ciry is best known for his engravings. His exceptional talent in this discipline places him among the greatest, alongside artists such as Salvador Dalí or Jean Carzou, also present on Galerie125. Unlike Dalí, whose engravings often play with surrealism, Ciry prefers a more narrative and emotional approach, using engraving as a means of telling intimate and universal stories.

Among his preferred techniques, lithography occupies an important place. This process, which consists of drawing directly on a stone or metal plate, allows the artist to accurately capture the slightest nuances of his line. Michel Ciry used this method to transcribe scenes of great emotional depth, establishing a unique dialogue between the work and the observer.

In painting, Michel Ciry is distinguished by his ability to grasp the dramatic tension of the scenes he represents. While its palette is deliberately limited, its skillful use of contrasts and light games gives its canvases a captivating depth. In this field, he joins artists such as Marc Chagall and Louis Toffoli, who are also masters in the art of transmitting emotions through evocative and symbolic scenes.

Michel CARY - Original engraving "Personalization, Petrarca" 34x25cm



Michel CRY - Original Lithograph "Portrait" 27x21cm - 1963

Writer and musician

In addition to his talents as a painter and engraver, Michel Ciry was an accomplished writer and musician. He kept a diary for nearly seventy years, offering a unique vision of his creative process, personal reflections and spiritual commitment. These newspapers, spread over several volumes, testify to his constant need to capture through words the emotions and ideas that nourished his work.

Musically, Michel Ciry studied under the direction of Nadia Boulanger and composed more than 300 works, ranging from symphonic poems to chorus and orchestra pieces. His compositions, often inspired by poets like Rilke or Paul Valéry, reflect the same quest for emotion and depth as his pictorial works.

Michel CARY (Photo Michel Ciry Museum)

The legacy of Michel Ciry

Today, Michel Ciry's legacy continues through his works exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. His workshop in Varengeville-sur-Mer, transformed into a museum, welcomes art lovers wishing to deepen their visit in his creative universe. On Galerie125, the presentation of artists such as Michel Ciry, as well as other great names such as Marc Chagall or Erté, makes it possible to rediscover these timeless talents and appreciate their lasting influence on the world of art.

Michel Ciry, with his singular and spiritual art, remains a must-see figure of the twentieth century. Whether you are an amateur of engravings, paintings or simply curious to discover artists with a rich and inspiring journey, his works offer a unique window on the human condition and its complexities. To further explore the works of Michel Ciry and other outstanding artists, visit Gallery125, your portal to art in all its forms.

Michel CARY "Personalization in costume" Original Lithography 46x65cm

The Michel Ciry Museum

Located in Varengeville-sur-Mer, Normandy, the Michel Ciry Museum is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the immense work of the artist. Located in its former workshop, this museum presents a permanent collection of paintings, engravings, drawings and writings. Visitors can discover its creative process through immersion in its working environment and regular thematic exhibitions. The museum also offers cultural events, including concerts and readings, in tribute to its musical and literary activity. This unique place allows to better understand the extent of Michel Ciry's multidisciplinary talent and to prolong the richness of his artistic heritage.
Visit the museum of Michel CRY: https://www.museemichelciry.com