Charles Levier, also known as Maurice Verrier, was a famous French and American artist active in the mid-20th century. He was born in Corsica in 1920 and showed artistic promise from a young age. Levier spent significant time working in both France and the United States, gaining fame in both locations for his oil paintings of cityscapes, landscapes, and figures that blended cubist and expressionist styles. Some of his most famous paintings include Camaraque, Fleurs Sur Balcon, and Two Nudes. Levier's career was supported by prominent art patrons like gallery owner Dr. Lilienfeld, and his work can now be found in major museums worldwide.

1. Charles Levier- A Glance at His Life & Art!
Born Maurice Verrier, the artist often known as
Charles Levier is most of the most famous in both
French and American history. The famous artist
signed paintings with both names, and this
approach has led to considerable confusion
among many scholars. His work under both
names is of the same subjects, material, and style,
making his signature art easy to identify for the
trained critic or collector. Although his heritage
was French, he shared his time in France and
America throughout his career making a huge
impact on the art scene and culture of both
nations.
Born in Corsica in 1920, Levier held artistic promise from a young age. At 17, he enrolled at L’Ecole
Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs. In his early education, he studied with Andre Lhote and
Rouault. However, Levier’s early career was halted due to Levier’s military service for the French
Army during World War II, where he served primarily in the North African conflict. His career took
off in 1949 when he opened his first one man show in Lyons. He opened his first American show in
Los Angeles one year later. He spent significant time in American and France and his art gained fame
in both locations.
Charles Levier was a favorite artist among the pop culture elite in America. The rat pack, including
Frank Sinatra, as well as Jackie Kennedy was major collectors of his work. His work referenced earlier
French work due to its emphasis on cubism. The same design principles were echoed in the
midcentury modern movement in America, making Levier’s art particularly popular during the 1950s
and 60s in America. In 1955, the famous gallery owner Dr. Lilienfeld took notice of Levier’s work. Dr.
Lilienfeld’s taste was widely respected, and his endorsement of Levier catapulted his art career to a
new level. Dr. Lilienfeld was such a strong advocate of Levier’s talent and vision that many art
historians consider Charles Levier’s broaden success in American impossible without his support.
The oil paintings created by Charles Levier vary in subject matter. Most are of city or landscapes or
women. They are of both American and French subjects, but the quality of his art is always uniquely
French in style. He is considered a figurative painting, and his paintings and both expressionistic and
dramatic. Levier used colors to create feelings and perspective within his artwork. He used a range of
mediums. While his most famous works are oil paintings, he also used watercolor, acrylic, and other
forms of painting. He also did some more abstract work that has gained widespread popularity among
collectors, especially in recent years.
Charles Levier’s most famous oil paintings include Camaraque, Fleurs Sur Balcon, Two Nudes, Village
Corde, Pair of Young Ladies, and Miss Liberty. Today, Levier’s original art can be seen at the famous
Museum of Modern Art and the Menton Museum of Art in Paris, the Atlanta Museum, the Seattle,
Museum, the Evansville Museum, the New Orleans Museum, and the San Diego Museum. Charles
Levier passed away in 2003, but his famous artwork continues to let his legacy live on.