Van Gogh invited Gauguin to Arles to participate in the creation of what he called the « Atelier du Midi », the studio in the South. He painted the Arlésienne, Mme. Ginoux, in her traditional costume. Picasso, who appreciated the bullfights, came to Arles regularly and had many friends here. These painters, through their works, have helped to make Arles known around the world.

Van Gogh’s presence can be felt everywhere in Arles. Other painters came to Arles in search of inspiration for their creation.
Léo Lelée was one of these. During an “Arts déco” school alumni ball, he met the sculptor and water-colour painter Count Gaston de Luppé, who owned a large studio in Arles and praised the beauty of the city, the charm of the Arlesian women and their costumes, the sun and the Provençal festivities. Lelée was enchanted and left for Arles, where he met Frédéric Mistral and glory. Mistral watched him work, appreciated his drawings and the two men soon became good friends. Lelée also became the official painter of the city of Arles.. leo.lelee-free.fr