Seurat, GeorgesGeorges Seurat (1859-1891), born in Paris, was a pioneering French painter known for his innovative technique of pointillism, which involves applying small dots of colour to create vibrant compositions. His meticulous approach to colour theory and light set him apart from his contemporaries and laid the groundwork for modern art. Seurat’s most celebrated work, 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte', created between 1884 and 1886, exemplifies his unique style. The painti...
Monet, ClaudeClaude Monet (1840-1926) was a pioneering French painter and one of the founders of the Impressionist movement, a style that sought to capture the fleeting effects of light and colour. Born in 1840 in Paris, Monet's early years were spent in Le Havre, where he developed a love for drawing. He moved to Paris to pursue formal art training, where he befriended fellow artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Camille Pissarro. Monet's approach to painting was revolutionary. Rather than ...
Tissot, JamesJacques Joseph Tissot (1836-1902), better known as James Tissot, was a prominent French painter and a notable figure in the art world of the late 19th century. Born in Nantes, France, he initially trained in the traditional techniques of painting before establishing himself in Paris, where he became associated with the avant-garde movements of his time. In 1871 he moved to London, where he found further success as an artist and began a relationship with Irishwoman, Kathleen Newton, who lived ...
Toulouse-Lautrec, Henri deHenri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) was a French painter, printmaker and illustrator whose distinctive style and keen observations of nightlife have left an indelible mark on the art world. Despite his short stature, due to a medical condition, Toulouse-Lautrec's larger-than-life spirit and passion for art prevailed. Best known for his vivid depictions of the bustling cabarets and brothels of late 19th-century Paris, his works encapsulate the vibrant energy and complexities of modern li...
Gauguin, PaulPaul Gauguin (1848-1903) was a French post-Impressionist painter known for his innovative use of colour and symbolism, which significantly influenced modern art. Born in Paris, Gauguin spent much of his childhood in Peru where he experienced a privileged childhood. Following financial struggles, he returned to France and received a formal education. Initially, he pursued a career as a stockbroker while practicing art as a hobby, however, following the financial crisis of 1882, he made a pivot...
Alberts, JacobJacob Alberts (1860-1941) was a German painter known for his evocative landscapes and genre scenes. Born in 1860 in Westerhever, Germany, Alberts initially pursued a path toward becoming a pastor but eventually turned to art. He studied at the Art Academy of Düsseldorf under notable artists such as Andreas Müller, Heinrich Lauenstein and Johann Peter Theodor Janssen. Later, he continued his education at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts under Wilhelm von Diez. Alberts' artistic journey too...
Van Gogh, VincentVincent van Gogh (1853-1890), born on 30th March 1853 in the Netherlands, is one of the most influential figures in Western art history. His life was marked by a profound passion for painting and a tumultuous struggle with mental health. Although he produced over 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, he only gained widespread recognition posthumously. Van Gogh's artistic journey began relatively late. After a brief stint working in the art trade and as a minister, he decided...
Cassatt, MaryMary Cassatt (1844-1926) was an American painter and printmaker who played a pivotal role in the Impressionist movement, despite being a woman in a mostly male-dominated field. Born in 1844, in Allegheny City (now part of Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania, Cassatt spent most of her adult life in France, where she developed her artistic career. Cassatt's early artistic education included studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and further training in Paris under Jean-Léon Gérôme, Char...
Dulac, EdmundEdmund Dulac (1882-1953) was a French-born, naturalised British illustrator, celebrated for his contributions to the 'Golden Age of Illustration' (1880s-1920s). Born in 1882 in Toulouse, France, Dulac initially studied law at the University of Toulouse but soon discovered his true passion for art. He won prizes at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, which paved the way for his illustrious career. In 1905, Dulac moved to London, where he quickly gained recognition for his exquisite ill...
Matisse, HenriHenri Émile Benoît Matisse (1869-1954) was a French visual artist, known for his use of colour and original draughtsmanship. Matisse is commonly regarded as one of the artists who best helped to define the revolutionary developments in the visual arts throughout the opening decades of the twentieth century, responsible for significant developments in painting and sculpture. The intense colours of his works between 1900 and 1905 brought him notoriety as one of the Fauves (French for '...
Delacroix, EugèneEugène Delacroix (1798-1863) was a towering figure in French Romantic art, celebrated for his expressive use of colour and dynamic compositions. Born in 1798 in Charenton-Saint-Maurice, France, Delacroix displayed artistic talent from a young age. He trained under Pierre-Narcisse Guérin at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he absorbed influences from both classical and contemporary art. Delacroix's rise to prominence began with his painting 'The Barque of Dante' (1822) whic...
Cézanne, PaulPaul Cézanne (1839-1906) is often hailed as one of the most influential painters in the history of modern art. Born in 1839 in Aix-en-Provence, France, Cézanne's work laid the foundation for the transition from 19th-century Impressionism to the radically different world of 20th-century Cubism. His innovative approach to form, colour and composition significantly influenced later artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Cézanne began his artistic journey in Paris, where he met and ...
Hassam, ChildeFrederick Childe Hassam (1859-1935) was a prominent American Impressionist painter, celebrated for his vibrant depictions of urban and coastal scenes. Born in 1859 in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Hassam demonstrated an early interest in art. He had his first lessons in drawing and watercolour while attending The Mather School, but his parents took little notice of his obvious talent. By 1880, his father arranged a job for him in the accounting department of publisher Little, Brown & Company...
Gris, JuanJuan Gris (1887-1927), born José Victoriano González-Pérez on March 23, 1887, in Madrid, Spain, was a pivotal figure in the development of Cubism. Initially studying engineering, Gris turned to art in 1904, studying under José Moreno Carbonero. By 1905 he adopted the name Juan Gris and he moved to Paris, where he became deeply involved in the avant-garde art scene. Gris's early works were influenced by the Fauvist movement, but he soon embraced Cubism, collaborating with and learning fro...
Leighton, Lord FredericLord Frederic Leighton (1830-1896) was a prominent British painter and sculptor, celebrated for his classical and historical subject matter. Born on December 3, 1830, in Scarborough, Yorkshire, Leighton was the son of a medical doctor and grew up in a wealthy family. His artistic talent was evident from a young age, and he received his education at various European academies, including the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence and the École des Beaux-Art in Paris. Leighton's early works wer...
Dufy, RaoulRaoul Dufy (1877-1953) was a renowned French painter who gained recognition for his vibrant and decorative style, which became popular in various forms, such as textile design and public building decorations. Dufy is most remembered for his artwork depicting outdoor social gatherings. In addition to painting, he was skilled in various other fields, including drawing, printmaking, book illustration, scenic design, furniture design and planning public spaces. Born in 1877 in Le Havre, France, D...