Vincent Tailhardat French, b. 1970

Vincent Tailhardat is a French painter, born in 1970. Working primarily in oil, he is known for his figurative paintings encompassing portraits, figures, landscapes and scenes of everyday life.

Tailhardat's approach is rooted in close observation, with an interest in the effects of light, atmosphere and the physical qualities of paint. His subjects range from intimate portraits and domestic scenes to landscapes and still lifes, often treated with a strong sense of naturalism and expressive handling.

His work reflects a deep engagement with the history of European painting. He has spoken particularly of his admiration for the Old Masters and artists including Cézanne and Michelangelo, while developing a contemporary approach to figurative painting. His practice also extends to pastel and drawing, exploring the relationship between line, colour, light and the material surface.

Tailhardat has exhibited and sold extensively in France, with his paintings appearing in numerous French auctions. His work has also been used to illustrate literary publications, including editions of Raymond Radiguet's Le Diable au corps and Le Bal du Comte d'Orgel.

Today, Tailhardat continues to pursue a figurative practice centred on the observation of people, places and the natural world, with light and the materiality of paint remaining central to his work.