André Lanskoy, born Andrei Michailovich Lanskoy in Moscow on March 31, 1902, was a distinguished Russian painter and printmaker who played a significant role in the development of abstract art in France. As the son of Count Lanskoy, his early life was steeped in the privileges of nobility, but nothing in his aristocratic upbringing seemed to predestine him for a career in art. However, Lanskoy would go on to become a master of color and an important figure within the School of Paris and the Tachisme movement, an abstract painting movement that emerged in the 1940s. The Lanskoy family moved to St. Petersburg in 1905, and then to Kiev in 1918, where André painted his first works. His life took a dramatic turn when he joined the White Army during the Russian Civil War. After suffering an injury, he moved to Constantinople and, in 1921, made his way to Paris. This move marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to painting. Lanskoy once recalled, "Literally in the first night I started to paint and I haven’t stopped since." In Paris, he was part of a vibrant community of Russian artists and was influenced by the works of Van Gogh, Matisse, and Soutine, who would become a close friend and significant influence on his early work. Lanskoy's artistic journey began with landscapes, still-lives, and portraits, marked by a flattening of perspective and a vivid use of color that hinted at his future direction. His talent was recognized early on when Wilhelm Uhde discovered his paintings at the Salon d'Automne in 1924, becoming a collector of his works. Lanskoy's first solo exhibition took place in Paris in 1925, and his works were soon acquired by museums and important private collectors. By 1937, Lanskoy began to transition towards abstraction, a move that would define his career. He produced a series of gouaches between 1938 and 1940, exploring non-figurative forms and colors. This period marked his complete abandonment of figurative painting for informal painting, a decision that aligned him with the emerging abstract movements in Europe. Lanskoy's abstract works were characterized by their lyrical and dynamic compositions, which stood in contrast to the cold geometric abstraction that was prevalent at the time. His style, often referred to as "Abstract Impressionism" by Marcel Brion, was not merely a gestural manifestation but an evocation of exterior sensation. Throughout the 1950s, Lanskoy enjoyed high-profile international status, exhibiting extensively and being regarded as one of the leading post-war painters. His work was celebrated for its rich and generous use of color, sensitive and vibrant harmonies. Lanskoy's deep friendship with Nicolas de Staël, another key figure of the period, led to a joint exhibition in 1948, further cementing his reputation. Lanskoy's exploration of abstraction was not limited to painting; he also worked with tapestries, mosaics, and collages, demonstrating his versatility and continuous quest for new means of expression. He was one of the last living representatives of the Russian School, which contributed significantly to the School of Paris. André Lanskoy passed away on August 24, 1976, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the world of abstract art. His work is represented in numerous major public collections, and his contributions to the art world are celebrated in retrospectives and exhibitions around the globe. Lanskoy's journey from a noble family in Russia to becoming a pivotal figure in French abstract art is a testament to his relentless pursuit of artistic expression and his profound impact on the art movements of the 20th century.

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