New biography delves into Chaïm Soutine's elusive life and art
Celeste Marcus's book, "Chaïm Soutine: Genius, Obsession, and a Dramatic Life in Art," seeks to illuminate the artist's creations rather than the myths surrounding him. Chaïm Soutine (1893-1943) emigrated from Smilovichi, Belarus, to Paris in 1913, where he became part of the School of Paris. Marcus highlights Soutine's dedication to paint and vitality, documenting his transition from landscapes in Céret to still lifes inspired by the Old Masters. Despite leaving behind minimal writings and destroying many pieces, he had a close relationship with Amedeo Modigliani. In 1923, collector Albert Barnes acquired 60 of Soutine's works. He evaded capture during the Nazi occupation but ultimately passed away from stomach ulcers. The book will be released by Public Affairs on 28 Oct 2025 in the US and 20 Nov 2025 in the UK.
Key facts
- Chaïm Soutine lived from 1893 to 1943.
- He arrived in Paris in 1913 from Smilovichi, Belarus.
- Celeste Marcus is the managing editor of Liberties: A Journal of Culture and Politics.
- Soutine shared a bed with Amedeo Modigliani.
- Albert Barnes bought 60 works by Soutine in 1923.
- Soutine died of stomach ulcers while hiding outside Paris during Nazi occupation.
- The biography is titled 'Chaïm Soutine: Genius, Obsession, and a Dramatic Life in Art'.
- Publication dates: 28 Oct 2025 (US) and 20 Nov 2025 (UK).
Entities
Artists
- Chaïm Soutine
- Vincent van Gogh
- John Ashbery
- Rembrandt
- Chardin
- Courbet
- Amedeo Modigliani
- Elie Wiesel
- Clement Greenberg
- Hilton Kramer
- Esti Dunow
Institutions
- Liberties: A Journal of Culture and Politics
- School of Paris
- Museum of Modern Art
- Artforum
- Public Affairs
- The Art Newspaper
Locations
- Paris
- Smilovichi
- Belarus
- Minsk
- Vilna
- Montparnasse
- Céret
- French Catalonia
- New York
- US
- UK