Art In Action: Henri Fantin-Latour, Artist
By Darla McCammon
WARSAW — Ignace Henri Jean Theodore Fantin-Latour was born with a cumbersome list of names. This was sensibly shortened later to Henri Fantin-Latour. I found no explanation for the renaming, but my imagination immediately drifted to his having to scribble that long name on his art work. And what art it was. I am sure even the inscribing of his name would have taken much thought and study for his meticulous and recognizable style.
You may have noticed as we have progressed through this series of famous artists that a group called “The Impressionists” often included artists who were decidedly not impressionistic in their style of painting. Several of these artists, such as Latour and Degas, were far more studied and detailed in their well-planned work than the plein-air artists whose canvases were characterized by broad brush strokes and very loose work done primarily outdoors. Perhaps Latour and Degas were included in this less structured community of artists simply because of their friendships with most of the advocates of impressionism. Latour was born Jan, 14, 1836, in Grenoble, France. In his early years, Latour’s father was initially his art teacher. They worked together until Latour became very proficient in pastel works, the chosen medium of his father. Later in his life Latour moved to oil and other mediums. He also developed an extreme proficiency in lithography. His Lithography is still honored and recognized today for its’ fine quality. Latour continued to improve as an artist. During this time he met, then married, Victoria Dubourg, a fellow artist. From that time, they spent each summer at the estate of her family where they vacationed and each spent time in the pleasure of painting together.
Life with Dubourg helped Latour as she was also an accomplished artist. As he matured, Latour became almost photographic in his work. He became very well know for his excellent portraiture and his still life artwork, thus he was invited to exhibit at the world famous Paris Salon. Take a look at this still life he painted in 1866, titled “Still Life 1866.” The fruit and flowers look as if they were freshly plucked. One can almost sniff the aromas of the fruits and flowers, then take a bite. Latour’s work is still appreciated today and is held in many museums around the world. Latour was 68 years old when he died at their beloved estate in Normandie France. His widow donated a large offering of his lithography to the Louvre where it is enjoyed by visitors today..
EVENTS: Warsaw City Hall Sherri Johnson exhibit opens through December. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fall art show at Lakeland Art Gallery 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. 302 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw; phone: (574-)267-5568. Brenda Miller Exhibit at Grace College Mount Memorial Art Gallery Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. 1-4 p.m. now through Dec. 11. Want to be an exhibitor at Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery? Very good exposure for your work and good publicity about you. Just drop me an email to [email protected] Subject: Art exhibit. To find out more about the many activities and lessons to be had at Lakeland Art Gallery please visit their website or call the above phone number.