Henry Somm, born François Clément Somm in Rouen, France, was a versatile French artist known for his illustrations, paintings, and decorative arts within the Impressionist and Symbolist movements. Despite not being widely recognized today, during his lifetime, Somm was an active figure in the Parisian art scene and had connections with significant artists of his time.
Somm began his artistic training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Rouen and later moved to Paris, where he became associated with the bohemian lifestyle of the city and the Impressionist group. He was known for his delicate watercolors, prints, and illustrations that often featured Parisian street scenes, fashionable women, and genre subjects. His style exhibited a lightness of touch and a keen observation of contemporary life and fashions.
Somm regularly contributed illustrations to various periodicals, such as 'Le Monde Parisien' and 'La Vie Parisienne.' He also produced designs for the famous Maison Worth, a haute couture fashion house. Somm's illustrations are characterized by their wit, charm, and often satirical nature, reflecting the mores of Parisian society.
In addition to his graphic work, Somm also painted and exhibited at the Paris Salon and other venues. He participated in the Impressionist exhibitions of 1879, 1880, and 1886, which shows his alignment with the avant-garde movements of the time. His paintings, however, did not achieve the same level of success as his illustrations.
Henry Somm's legacy is that of an artist who captured the ephemeral qualities of his era with humor and insight. Although his name might not be as well-known as his contemporaries like Claude Monet or Edgar Degas, his work provides an important glimpse into the art and society of late 19th-century France. He died in 1907, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied and appreciated for its historical and artistic value.
