Henri Lebasque was a French post-impressionist painter born on September 25, 1865, in Champigné, France. Known for his use of light and vibrant color, he is often associated with the 'painters of happiness' due to the joyous tone of his works. Lebasque began his education at the École des Beaux-Arts in Angers before moving to Paris, where he continued his studies under the academic painter Léon Bonnat.
Lebasque's early work reflects the influence of his teachers and the academic style of painting. However, his style evolved after he met impressionist painters like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Camille Pissarro, who had a significant impact on his approach to color and composition. He also became friends with other artists such as Édouard Vuillard and Pierre Bonnard, members of the Nabis group, whose focus on color and pattern further influenced Lebasque's development.
He exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants for the first time in 1896 and later became a member of the Salon d'Automne, where he showed his works regularly. Lebasque's paintings often depict domestic scenes, landscapes, and figures in outdoor settings, capturing the intimate moments of everyday life with sensitivity and warmth.
Around 1906, Lebasque moved to Lagny-sur-Marne, a place that provided him with ample inspiration for his landscapes. He continued to explore the interplay of light and shade, and the effects of the sun on color. Lebasque traveled extensively throughout France, painting the diverse landscapes from the south of France to the Brittany coast. These travels enriched his palette and broadened the range of his subjects.
Despite his association with the post-impressionists and the Nabis, Lebasque maintained his unique approach, characterized by a harmonious and gentle style. His work is noted for its lightness of touch, even in the depiction of the simplest subjects, such as a room interior or a garden scene.
Henri Lebasque's work was well-received during his lifetime, and he was awarded several commissions for public and private decorations. He continued to paint up until his death on August 7, 1937, in Le Cannet, leaving behind a legacy of work that celebrates beauty in the everyday and the joyous aspects of life.
