Flat regions of color defined by heavy, dark contours became the signature aesthetic of Louis Anquetin in 1887. This development of cloisonnism, inspired by Japanese ukiyo-e and stained glass, marked a significant departure from traditional techniques. Anquetin arrived in Paris during 1882 to pursue formal training under Léon Bonnat, eventually shaping the trajectory of modern painting through his bold experimentation.
Artistic Foundations in Paris
Born in 1861 at Étrépagny, Anquetin attended the Lycée Pierre-Corneille before relocating to Paris in 1882. His early education took place in the studio of Léon Bonnat, where he established a lasting acquaintance with Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The pair later transitioned to the studio of Fernand Cormon, an environment that facilitated connections with fellow artists including Émile Bernard and Vincent van Gogh. These collaborative years provided the crucible for his most experimental period.
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Working alongside Émile Bernard, Anquetin focused on the synthesis of flat color fields and thick black outlines. This visual language, subsequently termed cloisonnism by the critic Édouard Dujardin, bridged the gap between historical craft and modern expression. His 1887 work, Avenue de Clichy: Five O’Clock in the Evening, remains a critical reference for scholars, with some researchers suggesting it influenced the composition of Van Gogh’s Cafe Terrace at Night.
Transition to Old Master Methods
By the mid-1890s, Anquetin moved away from modern movements to analyze the technical practices of the Old Masters. This shift resulted in works like Rinaldo and Armida, which favored Rubensian allegory over his earlier cloisonnist style. In 1907, he began a collaboration with Jacques Maroger to deepen his research into these historical techniques. This commitment culminated in the 1924 publication of his book on the life and work of Rubens.
Professional Recognition and Later Life
Beyond his status as a painter and graphic artist, Anquetin participated in the professional art community as a member of the Société nationale des beaux-arts. His contributions to the field were formally acknowledged in 1909 when he was appointed Knight of the Legion of Honour. His output during his later years included tapestry projects for Gobelins and various lithographic studies. He spent his final years in Paris and was buried in his hometown of Étrépagny upon his death in 1932.
Fast facts
- Born: 1861, Étrépagny, France
- Died: 1932, Paris
- Movement: Cloisonnism
- Education: Lycée Pierre-Corneille
- Awards: Knight of the Legion of Honour (1909)
- Notable Works: Henri Samary, Avenue de Clichy
- Occupations: Painter, graphic artist, manufacturer, lithographer
- Buried: Étrépagny
Questions readers ask
What was the cloisonnism movement?
It was a painting style developed around 1887 by Anquetin and Émile Bernard characterized by flat regions of color and thick, black contour outlines.
Did Anquetin focus solely on modern art?
No, after the mid-1890s, he abandoned modern movements to study the techniques of the Old Masters, particularly Rubens.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 1909
- Notable work: Henri Samary
- Movement: cloisonnism
