The Life and Work of Auguste Leseur
Auguste Leseur was a French artist, writer and teacher of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work was influential in the development of contemporary art, literature and culture. A native of Paris, Auguste studied at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts and the Academie Julian and traveled in Europe, where his works were exhibited in major galleries and exhibitions.
Augustes greatest fame came from his engravings, lithographs and monotypes. An accomplished draftsman and printmaker, Auguste was known for his detailed prints, which included views of Paris and the countryside. He also worked in a variety of styles, including Romanticism, Impressionism, Symbolism and a later Cubist-inspired approach. His prints were often exhibited at Salon des Beaux-Arts, the worlds premier art show in the 19th century.
Augustes paintings showed a similar range of styles, although he never achieved the same level of reputation as a painter. He was particularly interested in the changing light of daytime and night and enjoyed experimenting with light effects in his work. He often employed the use of clouds and rain and frequently completed his work in a state of abstraction in order to evoke an emotion or mood within the viewer.
In addition to painting and printmaking, Auguste Leseur made a significant contribution as an art teacher, as he taught classes in Paris from 1900-1910. During this time, he tutored some of the most well-known painters of the period, including Aristide Maillol, Pierre Bonnard and Jean Lurcat.
Auguste Leseurs works were exhibited regularly in the last years of his life. In 1912 he was awarded the Legion of Honor medal from the French government in recognition of his contributions to the arts. Although he died of bronchitis at the age of 49, his legacy lives on in the works of the many artists he influenced.
Auguste Leseurs work can still be seen today in various museums and galleries around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, and the Pompidou Center in Paris. By studying his work, we can continue to be inspired by his innovative and creative approach to art-making. It is clear that Augustes life and work have left a lasting impact on contemporary art, literature and culture.
