Artworks

Augustin Lesage (1876-1954)

At age 35, French coal miner Augustin Lesage claimed he heard a voice tell him he would become an artist. At the time, Lesage had very little knowledge of the art world. He’d spent most of his life laboring in Northern France and could only recall a single visit to an art museum in Lille. However, guided by more spirit voices, Lesage began to create his first works. 

By the 1910s, Lesage was working on large scale canvases. His art career was briefly interrupted by his service in World War I, but resumed in 1916, eventually resulting in some 800 works. Lesage’s work is known for its vibrant color palette and complex patterning. Though he was a French man, Lesage also had an affinity for representing Egyptian iconography, such as Egyptian sculpture, hieroglyphs, and compositions. His work was acquired by artist and art brut collector, Jean Dubuffet, establishing him as a compelling figure in the Outsider Art canon. His work has been featured in several exemplary exhibitions and collections throughout the world.