Mary Piriou-Bazin (1881 - 1956)

Born Marie-Louise Piriou in Morlaix on October 16, 1881, Mary Piriou-Bazin established herself as one of the most distinctive figures in 20th-century Breton painting. Trained in Brest and then in Paris, where she attended the Académie Julian and Antoine Bourdelle’s studios, she developed a free artistic sensibility at an early age, nourished by her attentive observation of nature and a deep admiration for light.

From 1909 onward, having settled in Pont-Aven, she found her chosen home in Brittany. A spiritual heir to the Pont-Aven School without ever limiting herself to it, she painted landscapes, scenes of daily life, Breton pardons, and portraits with a vibrant palette, blending Impressionist influences with Synthetist touches. Her work reveals an intimate and sincere vision of Brittany—a Brittany that is lively, down-to-earth, luminous, and deeply human.

A recognized artist during her lifetime, Mary Piriou exhibited regularly in Paris, notably at the Salon des Indépendants, the Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, and the Georges Petit Gallery. Her work was also shown in numerous galleries in Brittany and southern France, establishing her reputation far beyond her native region. 

In 1933, her marriage to Henry Bazin gave rise to the name by which she is often known today: Mary Piriou-Bazin. Despite a fire at her studio in Dinan in 1946, which destroyed a significant portion of her work, she continued her artistic practice with remarkable perseverance until the end of her life.

She died in Paris in 1956, leaving behind a captivating body of work deeply rooted in the Breton spirit. Long overlooked in art history, Mary Piriou is now experiencing a well-deserved rediscovery, driven by the growing interest of collectors, museums, and enthusiasts of Breton painting. This critical reappraisal culminated in 2023 with a special exhibition at the Musée de Pont-Aven, where several of Mary Piriou’s works were showcased.