Raoul Martinez (Paris, 9 September 1876 – Neuilly-sur-Seine, 18 September 1974) was a French painter with a rich cultural background. Born into a wealthy family, he spent his youth in Paris. His family owned a hacienda near Havana, Cuba, where Martinez worked for several years after his training in Paris. This period strengthened his bond with Cuban culture and led to long-term contacts in the region.
In 1896, Martinez settled in Brussels, where he stayed until around 1915. He began his painting career in 1907 and took part in the exhibitions of La Libre Esthétique for the first time in 1910.
During the First World War, he sought refuge in the Netherlands. There he became friends with Dutch artists, including Henri Boot, and sold works to the collector H.P. Bremmer, who introduced him to Helene Kröller-Müller.
After the war, Martinez stayed in the Netherlands for a while, then moved back to Belgium and travelled regularly to the Netherlands. During the Second World War, he stayed in Amsterdam. After the war, he returned to Paris, where he spent the rest of his life.
Martinez left behind an extensive oeuvre, much of which can be found in the Netherlands. His work is included in the collections of, among others, the Centraal Museum in Utrecht, the Haags Gemeentemuseum in The Hague, Museum De Wieger in Deurne and the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo.
His painting style is characterised by influences from Fauvism and Realism, with a focus on the use of colour and composition. Martinez's international experiences and cultural connections have contributed to the diversity and depth of his artistic expression.
