Seymour Etienne Bottex (Haitian, 1922-2016)

Seymour Etienne Bottex (1922–2016) was one of the most important masters of Haitian art and a leading figure of the Haitian Naïve tradition. Born in Port-Margot, he began his artistic career in 1955 after working as a photographer, guided by his brother, painter Jean-Baptiste Bottex. He joined the Centre d’Art in 1961 and quickly developed a highly recognizable style defined by elongated, Modigliani-inspired figures, refined compositions, and a vibrant, controlled use of color. His paintings blend biblical themes, historical narratives, and scenes of Haitian daily life, creating works that are both expressive and instantly identifiable. Bottex is considered one of the “Old Masters” of Haitian painting, and his murals in the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-au-Prince stand among the most significant achievements in Haitian modern art. His work has been exhibited internationally and featured at major auction houses, including Sotheby’s in New York. Today, Seymour Etienne Bottex’s paintings are highly sought after by collectors for their distinctive style, consistency, and important place within the history of Haitian art. Explore his available works below.