André Masson (French, 1896-1987) was a painter, illustrator, designer, and writer. Born just north of Paris, Masson's art was heavily influenced by a childhood surrounded by nature, drawing on landscape imagery throughout his career. During his youth in Brussels, Masson worked as pattern-drawer in an embroidery studio while studying part-time at the Académie des Beaux-Arts. From 1912-1914, he lived in Paris, studying at the Ecole des Beaux Arts, prior to joining the French army to serve in World War I. He served from 1914-1919 and was gravely wounded. Following his service, he lived in the South of France until 1922, before returning to Paris. From 1924-1929, Masson participated in the Surrealist movement. During this time, much of his work contained themes of combat and masscares, which an emphasis on violence and eroticism, undoubtedly a product of his time in service. During the 1930s, Masson lived in Spain for two years, depicting bullfights and scenes inspired by Spanish myths. In 1941, he took refuge in the United States, living in Connecticut and returning to his earlier practice of creating works inspired by nature. In 1945, Masson returned to France, settling in 1947 at Aix-en-Provence. For several years, he depicted landscape themes, including waterfalls and mountains, after which he altered his practice and created works consisting entirely of abstraction.
