Copyright This work is in the public domain. André Mare died in 1932; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2002.
In context
The Allies — André Mare
The original measures 146 × 114 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 47 at death.
Painted when the artist was 45. The artist lived to 47. 0 of the 1 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of André Mare (1885–1932) ▲ this work, 1930 every dated painting, decade by decade
Measured from the image
Main colour
Rosy Brown #d7b990
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
Artist and museum
Born in Argentan, France
Born in Argentan, France, André Mare was a painter and designer whose career spanned the transition from the early twentieth century into the Art Deco era. After studying at the School of Decorative Arts and the Académie Julian, he participated in the Salon d'Automne alongside figures such as Marcel Duchamp and Fernand Léger. His early work was noted for its elaborate and stylized floral patterns, specifically breaking away from traditional Art Nouveau models. In 1912, he contributed to the design of La Maison Cubiste, an architectural installation where he designed colorful wallpaper featuring stylized roses and floral motifs, as well as upholstery, furniture, and carpets.
During World War I, Mare served in the French Army and worked on military camouflage. He applied Cubist techniques to develop disruptive coloration, using juxtaposed bands of color to prevent the eye from recognizing shapes like gun barrels. His wartime experiences were captured in various works, including ink and watercolor sketches. Following the war, he became a leader in the Art Deco movement, co-founding the Compagnie des Arts Français. His designs for interiors, textiles, and furnishings were featured in the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris.
In his later years, Mare focused more exclusively on painting. His notable works include:
His signature style often incorporated stylized roses in garlands or bouquets. His artistic contributions were recognized when he was made a knight of the French Legion of Honour for his services to the decorative arts.
On show in Paris, France
To step through the doors of the Musée Carnavalet is to abandon the modern bustle of Paris and enter a realm where centuries whisper from within exquisitely preserved walls. This is not merely a repository of art and artifacts; it is an immersive journey through the very soul of the city, a place where every corridor serves as a chronicle of Parisian life from its earliest origins to the present day. Established in 1880 by Baron Haussmann—the visionary architect behind the modern Haussmannization of Paris—the museum was conceived as a living memory. Housed within two magnificent mansions, the Hôtel Carnavalet and the former Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau, the museum offers an experience unlike any other, transporting visitors through time to witness the pivotal moments of French culture and society. The recent renovations, completed in 2021, have breathed new life into this narrative, enhancing accessibility while meticulously preserving the atmosphere of a bygone era.
The collection at the Musée Carnavalet is breathtaking in its scope, presenting a panoramic view of Parisian creativity that transcends any single artistic movement. It is a place where the powerful, revolutionary depictions of Jacques-Louis David hang in dialogue with the luminous, pointillist canvases of Paul Signac, which capture the vibrant, flickering energy of Impressionistic Paris. One might find themselves captivated by the bold colors and simplified forms of Henri Matisse, such as
La Liseuse
, which exemplifies his masterful technique and serene portrayal of domestic life during the Belle Époque. Yet, the museum’s treasures extend far beyond the canvas; a remarkable assemblage of decorative arts—including ornate furniture, delicate textiles, and fine ceramics—illuminates the shifting stylistic trends of each era. These works are not isolated pieces but fragments of a larger story, beautifully contextualized within meticulously recreated interiors that evoke the authentic atmosphere of aristocratic salons and artisan workshops.
The very architecture of the museum is an integral part of its allure, acting as a silent narrator of the city's evolution. The Hôtel Carnavalet, constructed in the mid-16th century for Jacques des Ligneris, stands as a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, expressing humanist ideals through its symmetry, proportion, and opulent ornamentation. Having once been the home of Madame de Sévigné, whose insightful letters documented the nuances of Parisian society, the mansion retains an air of aristocratic charm and intellectual curiosity. In contrast, the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau showcases the dramatic grandeur of the Baroque period, with its elaborate stucco decorations and monumental scale. Its orangery, a relic of Louis XIV’s fascination with exotic flora, remains one of Paris's most remarkable architectural achievements. The unification of these two distinct mansions in 1989 created an unparalleled setting where visitors can contemplate the evolution of urban design and the enduring legacy of artistic vision.
What truly distinguishes the Musée Carnavalet from other institutions is its profound commitment to immersion. It does not simply display objects behind velvet ropes; it invites you to inhabit them, to step into the past and experience life as a Parisian through the centuries. Through furnished rooms that recreate authentic historical interiors, guests can wander through the opulent halls of the elite or the humble workspaces of craftsmen. This sense of engagement is further enriched by notable exhibitions that explore themes ranging from the intricate history of Parisian fashion to the transformative impact of Impressionism on European art. For the art lover, the collector, or the interior designer, the museum serves as a portal—a beacon of heritage that proves art is not just something to be observed, but a living narrative that continues to shape the heart of Paris.
Study it on your own wall: The Allies by André Mare as a hand-painted oil edition, made to your size
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Look closely
The Allies — André Mare
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The perceived brightness of "The Allies" by André Mare is shadow. It can be matched to the light of the intended space.
"The Allies" by André Mare is recorded with a subtle color saturation.
Artworks similar to "The Allies" by André Mare are gathered on the artwork's Similars page.