Louis Valtat

1869-1952

Biography

Valtat grew up in Dieppe in an artistic environment because his father, François Victor Valtat, was an amateur painter who participated in the first Salon des Indépendants in 1884.

In 1886, Louis entered the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied under artists Jules Lefebvre and Gustave Boulanger. The following year, he chose to leave the Beaux-Arts for the Académie Julian, which offered a less rigid and more liberal approach to art. It was there that he met Jules Dupré, as well as Pierre Bonnard and Albert André, with whom he formed friendships.

In 1889, he participated for the first time in the Salon des Indépendants and repeated the experience in 1893.

Although he had his studio in Paris, Valtat suffered from health issues that forced him to leave the city frequently for coastal destinations. He often traveled to Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer, where he met George-Daniel de Monfreid and Aristide Maillol. He also spent several periods in Spain, particularly in Figueras, alongside Monfreid.

In 1895, he went to Arcachon, where he drew inspiration from the landscapes he traversed. His work from this period was characterized by vibrant colors and caught the attention of art critic Félix Fénéon, who saw in it the birth of Fauvism. In 1899, he participated in an exhibition organized by Paul Signac at the Durand-Ruel gallery.

During his winters spent on the Mediterranean coast, he refined his style, drawing inspiration from the landscapes of Lavandou and Saint-Raphaël along with artists like Renoir. In 1904, he presented his first solo exhibition at the Galerie Vollard, where Renoir and Signac acquired some is his works.

Throughout his life, Valtat continued to travel along the French coasts. He formed friendships with artists such as George d’Espagnat and Maximilien Luce.

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Louis Valtat

1869-1952

Biography

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