Henri Martin ( 1860-1943)
Le Faucheur
Oil on canvas
France, 1890
Ornamental gold gilded frame
47 x 39.4 cm /64.8 x 57.2 cm
Signed and dated lower left:
Henri Martin 90
Excellent condition
Harvest season
A captivating painting that depicts a rural scene with a reaper, or “faucheur,” at work. The work is characterized by its vibrant use of color and light, reflecting Martin’s unique style influenced by his time in Italy.
The painting shows a solitary figure of a reaper in the midst of a field, engaged in the act of harvesting. The reaper is dressed in simple, rustic clothing, and the surrounding landscape is lush and verdant, suggesting a bountiful harvest season. The background features rolling hills and a clear sky, adding to the serene atmosphere of the scene.
Impressionism
Henri Martin’s work often blends elements of Impressionism with his own unique approach, resulting in paintings that are both visually stunning and emotionally evocative. “Le Faucheur” is a beautiful example of his ability to capture the essence of the natural world with a sense of harmony and tranquility.
The artist Martin employs short, separate, and parallel brushstrokes, which give the painting a distinctive, almost pointillist texture. This technique creates a sense of movement and light, enhancing the overall vibrancy of the scene.
The use of bright, luminous colors is a hallmark of Martin’s work. In “Le Faucheur,” the greens of the fields and the blues of the sky are particularly striking, reflecting the influence of the brilliant light of the Italian skies on his style.
Poetic
The painting exudes a poetic and idyllic quality, capturing the simplicity and beauty of rural life. This is achieved through Martin’s careful attention to light and color, which imbues the scene with a dreamlike quality.
Provenance
Private Collection US
Literature
This work will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné currently being prepared by Marie-Anne Destrebecq-Martin.
Henri Martin (1860-1943)
Henri Martin (1860–1943) was a prominent French Impressionist painter known for his distinctive Pointillist style and his evocative depictions of landscapes, portraits, and everyday scenes.
Education
Henri Martin was born in Toulouse, France. His father was a cabinetmaker, and his mother was of Italian origin.
At the age of 19, Martin received a scholarship from the City of Toulouse to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. To further refine his artistic skills, he traveled to Italy, where he was profoundly influenced by the country’s light and landscapes.
Impressionism and Symbolism
Martin often used small dots of color to create vibrant and luminous effects, a technique that became a hallmark of his style.
His palette consisted of soft, harmonious colors, and he focused on capturing the play of light and atmosphere in his paintings.
Martin’s work blends elements of both impressionism and Symbolism, combining the Impressionists’ focus on light and color with the Symbolists’ poetic and metaphysical inspirations.
Career
Martin gained recognition for his unique approach to color and his ability to evoke a sense of tranquility and poetic beauty in his compositions.
He was involved in numerous decorative arts and mural projects, including works for official buildings such as the Capitole in Toulouse and the Sorbonne in Paris.
His dedication to capturing the spirit of his subjects and experimenting with various techniques and styles made him a significant figure in the Post-Impressionist movement.
Later Life
In 1900, Martin acquired the Marquayrol estate in Labastide-du-Vert, where he spent much of his time painting the surrounding countryside. This new environment provided endless inspiration, and he produced numerous studies and paintings there.
Henri Martin passed away at his residence in Marquayrol in 19432.
Museums
- Cahors, Henri Martin Museum, which holds the most significant public collection of paintings by Martin
- Paris, Musée d’Orsay
- Netherlands, Singer Museum Laren
- And more