Léon-Jules Lemaître, born on September 27, 1850, in Rouen, France, and passing away on February 5, 1929, in the same city, was a notable French painter, primarily recognized for his cityscapes and his association with the School of Rouen. His work is often characterized by a vibrant portrayal of urban life and landscapes, capturing the essence of French cities, particularly Rouen, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Lemaître's early life was steeped in the rich artistic tradition of Rouen, a city known for its significant contributions to the arts, particularly during the Impressionist movement. He was initially trained by the landscape painter Gustave Morin at the École Municipale de Dessin in Rouen. This foundational training played a crucial role in shaping his artistic style, which later evolved to incorporate elements of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
In his formative years, Lemaître was significantly influenced by the works of Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro, two giants of Impressionism. This influence is evident in his use of light and color, which he employed to capture the transient effects of light on urban landscapes. However, Lemaître's style retained a distinct quality, characterized by a more structured and detailed approach compared to the often more fluid and spontaneous strokes of pure Impressionists.
Lemaître's oeuvre predominantly consists of cityscapes, a genre in which he excelled. He had a particular affinity for painting the streets, squares, and notable landmarks of Rouen. His paintings are remarkable for their vivid portrayal of everyday life, bustling city scenes, and architectural beauty. He captured the changing times, depicting the evolution of the urban landscape as the modernization of the late 19th and early 20th centuries began to reshape cities.
One of the defining characteristics of Lemaître's work is his ability to infuse life and dynamism into urban settings. His paintings often depict scenes bustling with people, suggesting a narrative about daily life in the city. This aspect of his work offers valuable insights into the social and cultural milieu of the period, making his paintings not just aesthetically pleasing but also historically significant.
Lemaître was part of the School of Rouen, a group of artists who were united by their geographical ties to Rouen and their shared interest in portraying the region's landscapes and urban scenes. This group, while not as cohesive or renowned as other artistic movements of the time, played a significant role in the development of French regional painting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Throughout his career, Lemaître exhibited his works in various salons and exhibitions, gaining recognition and accolades for his unique approach to cityscape painting. His works are now part of several art collections and museums, offering a window into the world of French urban landscapes during a period of significant change and development.
In summary, Léon-Jules Lemaître was a distinguished French artist whose detailed and vibrant cityscapes provide a unique perspective on urban life in France during a transformative era. His contribution to the School of Rouen and his influence in the realm of cityscape painting mark him as an important figure in the history of French art.
TODAY: The Place National is located next to the Saint-Jacques church and is the centre point of the Saturday morning market.
TODAY: The fish market is still held daily in the mornings in the Pollet district (the traditional fishermen district).
TODAY: The Quai du Pollet (Pollet is the traditional fishermen quarters) is located close to the port entry.
These were all the paintings that Lemaitre made in Dieppe that we were able to find.