Paul Louis Spindler (1906-1981)

French School

THE OLD ARCH – BOERSCH, circa 1970

(#8634)

6 x 6¼ inches round / 8¾ x 9 framed

Marquetry

     Charles Spindler (1865-1938), a native of Boersch in north eastern France, moved to Saint-Leonard and opened his workshop in 1893.  He recruited residents of Boersch and surrounding villages, training them in the art of marquetry, a specialized type of wood inlay.

     In the 1930s, the workshop was handed down to his son Paul, who continued to produce Alsatian themed works in marquetry.  The compositions are composed of a rich diversity of woods, and no paint, stains or varnish are used.  

The artist expresses himself through the wood in the manner of a painter.  Wood grain is selected and positioned to show the texture of streets, buildings and sky, combining technical perfection and artistic inspiration.