Charles Clos Olsommer
Born in 1883.
Died in 1966.
The son of the photographer Louis, he trained in painting at several European institutions: the École d'art de La Chaux‑de‑Fonds (1901–1902) under Charles L'Eplattenier, the Kunstgewerbeschule in Munich (1902–1903), and then the École des beaux‑arts de Genève (1904–1905).
Before settling permanently in Valais, his numerous travels—in Bulgaria and the Balkans, as well as in Italy, Germany and France—are described in the sources as a source of images and perceptions; during one stay, he met Veska, whom he married in 1907 and with whom he had five children.
Having been attached to Valais since a stay with his uncle in Ardon in 1899, he chose in 1912 to settle permanently in the region, first in Ardon and then in Veyras, where he had the house built that now houses the museum bearing his name.
The sources note that his work emphasises portraiture—self-portraits, nudes and family scenes—and local figures, while also exploring naturalistic Valais landscapes as well as imaginary or fantastic landscapes; those close to him and his family were recurring models.
Among the titles mentioned are La Gardienne du seuil spirituel (1911), Portrait du solitaire (1925) and Le Grand Livre (1928); paintings attributed to the artist also appear on the art market, with a work entitled “Lac de montagne” reported as sold and several lots having been listed at auction.
