Early Life and Training
HENRI FANTIN-LATOUR, a French painter and lithographer, was born on January 14, 1836, in Grenoble, Isère. As a youth, he received drawing lessons from his father, who was an artist. In 1850, he entered the École de Dessin, where he studied with Lecoq de Boisbaudran. Later, he attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris from 1854.
Artistic Style and Influences
Fantin-Latour's work remained conservative in style, despite befriending several young artists who would later be associated with Impressionism, including Whistler and Manet. His own style was characterized by
Symbolism and
Realism, as seen in his famous flower paintings and group portraits of Parisian artists and writers.
Notable Works and Exhibitions
*
A basket of roses (1875), which was used as the cover of New Order's album "Power, Corruption & Lies" by Peter Saville in 1983.
*
Portrait of Charlotte Dubourg (1882), now at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
* Sonia (1890), currently at the National Gallery of Art.
Legacy and Later Life
Henri Fantin-Latour married a fellow painter, Victoria Dubourg, in 1875. He spent his summers on the country estate of his wife's family at Buré, Orne in Lower Normandy, where he died on August 25, 1904. He was interred in the Cimetière du Montparnasse, Paris, France.
Conclusion
Henri Fantin-Latour's contributions to the world of art are undeniable. His unique blend of Symbolism and Realism has left an indelible mark on the art world. As we continue to appreciate his work, we are reminded of the power of art to transcend time and touch our souls.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Carcassonne,
Henri Fantin-Latour, and Sonia