Théodore Chassériau (1819-1856) — French artist who worked in the genres of portraiture, battle painting, orientalism and nude. His paintings were distinguished by their originality, undisguised sensuality and voluptuousness.
Apollo and Daphne. 1845
Chassériau took themes for them from ancient myths, historical chronicles, his travels to the East, the works of Shakespeare and the Bible. In general, he was a true multi-tasker, a man of broad views and did not limit himself to painting in oil. He created etchings and lithographs, and also drew sketches of theatrical costumes.
Self-portrait at Readingote. 1835
For most of his not very long life, Chassériau obsessively painted in his studio. Many of them were exhibited at various exhibitions, where they deservedly received praise from critics and the attention of viewers. Chassériau's work is original and quite far removed from the usual salon painting, despite the fact that many of his paintings are painted in the academic style. Thanks to the variety of themes chosen, Chassériau was constantly in creative search, not fixated on the same thing, which was often the case with many salon artists who chose their niche and stuck to it throughout their lives.
Ali Ben Hamet, Caliph of Constantine and Chief of the Haraktas, accompanied by his escort. 1845
Chassériau was born in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, which was a French colony at the time. His father was an official at the consulate and when the rebellion of 1822 began, he wisely decided to send his family back to France. Thus, the future artist spent his childhood in a cheap boarding school, often experiencing a lack of the most basic necessities. The family was poor, the small salary of an official was not enough, especially considering that in addition to Theodore, several other brothers and sisters were being raised there.
Scene in the harem. Constantine's woman coming out of the bath. 1854
He began drawing at the age of six and soon declared that he wanted to become an artist. No one tried to dissuade him, on the contrary, his parents accepted this decision with enthusiasm, since his drawings were really good, and it was felt that with due diligence in his studies, Chassériau could become a real artist and earn much more than a minor official or some worker.
Andromeda Chained to a Rock by the Nereids. 1840
At the age of 12, Theodore began studying in the studio of Jean Ingres, one of the most famous French academic artists. He was the youngest there, but soon began to draw better than all his older comrades. Ingres was delighted and, without false modesty, called Chassériau "the Napoleon of painting." In 1834, Ingres urgently went to Rome on business. But the three years spent in Ingres's studio also had a great influence on Theodore Chassériau: he began to prefer classicism, admired antique sculpture and subjects, and willingly depicted large multi-figure religious scenes.
Roman Bath. 1853
Young Chassériau joined a circle of young artists and writers, and became friends with the romantic poet Théophile Gautier, who had a great influence on him. Théodore even began to consider him his spiritual mentor.
Harem. 1852
At the age of 17, Theodore Chassériau made his debut at the Paris Salon and even received a medal for a religious painting depicting a legend from the Old Testament. But subsequent paintings exhibited at the Salon of 1838 did not cause much enthusiasm and were mercilessly criticized. Chassériau decided to take the most foolproof path: to paint naked naiads and goddesses, counting on the fact that such paintings would be easy to sell.
Esther's toilet. 1841
Gradually, the outline in his paintings became less pronounced, the movements of the characters more natural and complex, smooth transitions and soft warm shadows appeared. He increasingly willingly painted female images, that is, in fact, nudes under the fig leaf of ancient myths and legends.
In 1840, having received decent money for his paintings, Chassériau went to Italy to Ingres to continue his studies with his favorite teacher. But he met Chassériau coldly: Ingres did not like the changes in his work and refused to teach him.
Sleeping Bather. 1850
However, Chassériau considered himself an accomplished artist. He worked fervently, and such devotion to the work undermined his health. In 1846, Chassériau went to Algeria and what he saw there impressed the artist so much that orientalism became the dominant theme in his work.
Moorish Dance. 1849
Chassériau died at the age of 37. He was found lying at his easel, where he was trying to paint his next masterpiece.
Buy handmade goods or modern art you can on artAlebrio - is an international marketplace for people who want to create, sell, buy and collect unique items and art - buy the best with us artAlebrio.com.
By confirming your order you unconditionally accept these General Conditions of Sale
