Pétion Savain (1906–1973) was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on February 15, 1906, and is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of Haitian modern art. A lawyer, writer, painter, and educator, Savain’s multidisciplinary talent helped shape the cultural and artistic identity of 20th-century Haiti. Savain earned a law degree from the Haitian School of Agronomy before turning to painting in 1931. A true Renaissance figure, he balanced his artistic pursuits with teaching cabinet making, tin-smithing, and wrought-iron work. His literary side flourished as well: in 1939, he published his acclaimed novel La Case de Damballah with Imprimerie de l’État — later republished by Kraus Reprint in 1970 and included in Les Œuvres Nouvelles, Vol. 3 (Éditions de la Maison Française, 1943).Recognized early for his originality, Savain became the first Haitian painter to achieve major international recognition. In 1939 he received medals from the Gallery of Science and Art at the New York World’s Fair and the IBM Medal at the Treasure Island World’s Fair — five years before the founding of the Centre d’Art de Port-au-Prince. In 1941, he studied at the Art Students League of New York, refining his technique in mural, fresco, tempera, and wood sculpture.From 1950 to 1956, Savain also wrote as a newspaper columnist while contributing essays and illustrations to over six art publications. His visual language—distinguished by luminous pinks and purples, rhythmic semicircles, and geometric harmonies—became a hallmark of Haitian modernism. Savain’s paintings have been exhibited in major institutions, including the Grand Central Gallery and the Riverside Museum in New York, and remain part of prestigious private and museum collections worldwide. His artistic and literary legacy continues to inspire generations of Haitian artists, securing his place as one of the most influential figures in the history of Haitian fine art.