Roger Mühl
French, 1929-2008
Born in Strasbourg, France, in 1929, Roger Mühl studied at the École Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs before launching a career that bridged fine art and design. Initially working as a decorator, Mühl created murals for public spaces and collaborated on theatrical productions in Strasbourg, where he developed a sensitivity to composition that would later inform his painting. In 1960, he held his first solo exhibition in Paris, marking the beginning of a career that would span nearly five decades and position him as a distinctive voice in postwar French painting.
Mühl became widely known for his landscapes and still-lifes, particularly those inspired by the light and atmosphere of the South of France, where he settled in the village of Montauroux. His paintings are marked by a layered brushwork that evokes both structure and softness. Working primarily in oils, he distilled natural forms into simplified compositions that convey serenity and a timeless sense of place. His practice also extended to lithography, stained glass, and tapestry cartoons, reflecting a broad engagement with various forms.
Mühl’s work has been exhibited throughout Europe and the United States, and remains in private and institutional collections. Collectors continue to value his ability to translate everyday motifs into light-filled environments that encourage prolonged viewing. His legacy endures in his devotion to capturing beauty without excess.