The French painter Jean-Gabriel Domergue (Bordeaux 1889-1962 Paris) was a student of Edgar Degas and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and became famous for his refined Art Deco posters, with elegant women as the central theme. His work, often described as flirtatious and chic, reflected the glamorous life of the Parisian bourgeoisie and the international jet set. Nadine Lhopitalier, actress and later wife of Baron Edmond de Rothschild, was for a long time his favorite model, embodying the type of woman he aimed to idealize in his work.

Jean-Gabriel Domergue studied at the Lycée de Bordeaux and later in Paris at the Lycée Rollin, where he developed a passion for drawing. He subsequently studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

Before focusing entirely on portraits of women, Domergue spent more than twenty years primarily painting landscapes, with beach scenes being his favorite subject. These early works demonstrate a deep appreciation for light, color, and the playful interaction between nature and atmosphere.

In 1927, Domergue settled in Cannes, where he not only became part of the cultural life but also built a clientele of wealthy patrons who admired his stylish portraits of women. He was beloved by the elite and frequently commissioned to capture the charm of prominent women on canvas.

In 1934, he built the Villa Fiesole, a magnificent residence that quickly became an artistic hotspot. The villa served not only as his home but also as a studio and gathering place for celebrities from around the world. Notable figures such as Gina Lollobrigida and Brigitte Bardot visited the villa to be portrayed by Domergue. Beyond painting, he hosted social events there, further solidifying his reputation as a painter of refined glamour.

In 1938, he created a composition featuring a young nude woman for the campaign of Rigaud's new perfume, Féerie. In 1939, he designed the poster for the first Cannes International Film Festival, which was abruptly interrupted in September 1939 due to general mobilization.

Domergue was not only a talented artist but also a cultural icon who captured his era in refined compositions. His work continues to be seen as a symbol of the elegance and sophistication of the interwar period and the golden years of the French Riviera.