Achille-Émile Othon Friesz (1879–1949) was a French artist of the Fauvist movement. Born in Le Havre, Friesz began studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris at 18, where he became friends with fellow artist Raoul Dufy.
He initially painted in an Impressionist style, depicting scenes from the harbor of his hometown. However, his style underwent a significant transformation after he spent the summer of 1905 in Collioure alongside Henri Matisse. It was during this time that Friesz started painting in the bold, non-representational colors characteristic of Fauvism.
Fauvism, known for its use of intense, unnatural colors, was a revolutionary movement that diverged from the traditional representation of nature. Friesz's works from this period include vibrant landscapes and city scenes, where color is used to convey emotion rather than physical accuracy.
Despite this, his Fauvist phase was relatively short-lived. Friesz returned to a more traditional style after 1907, influenced by Cézanne’s approach to form and structure. His later work is characterized by a more sober color palette and a stronger emphasis on form and volume. Throughout his career, Friesz remained faithful to his favourite themes: seascapes, city views, and still lifes.
His works are displayed in many important museums and galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
Here are several of his works which he made in Le Havre and neighbouring Sainte-Adresse and Fontaine-le-Mallet.
1895 – Othon Friesz – the Port Entrance
TODAY: The port entrance is still in the same spot, but the entrance has become much wider to accommodate the enormous container ships.
Today – The Le Havre port entrance has become very wide
1903 – Othon Friesz – The old Dock of Le Havre
1906 – Othon Friesz – Bassin du Roy
TODAY: The “Bassin du Roy” still exists today and is used predominantly by small coastal fishing boats. And today, there still is a bridge dividing the “Bassin du Roy”.
Today – The “Bassin du Roi” is still used, but now by small coastal fishing boats.
1921 – Othon Friesz – Le Havre
1930 – Othon Friesz – The Port of Le Havre
???? – Othon Friesz – Arrival of the Normandy at Le Havre
TODAY: The “Normandy”, as well as the “France”, where two of the most well known passenger ships (cruise ships) that came frequently to Le Havre. Today, up to 4 cruise ships arrive daily.
Today – Cruise Ships
???? – Othon Friesz – The harbor pier of Le Havre
???? – Othon Friesz – Bather on the beach of Le Havre
Sainte-Adresse
The city of Sainte-Adresse (population: 7,400) is an immediate suburb of Le Havre and lies to the North/West alongside the coast. It shares the same seaside promenade with Le Havre.
1914 – Othon Friesz – By the Sea the Promenade at Sainte Adresse
TODAY: The promenade from Le Havre ferry harbour to Sainte-Adresse (Le Havre neighboring city) still remains a center point of the beach area. The trams no longer run the total length of the road, instead they stop at the beginning.
Today – The promenade towards Sainte-Adresse without Trams
Fontaine-la-Mallet
The town of Fontaine-la-Mallet (population: 2,700) lies to the North of Le Havre and is partially agricultural and partially suburb.
1901 – Othon Friesz – The cottage at Fontaine-la-Mallet
These are all the works of art of Othon Friesz that he made in Le Havre and immediate surroundings that we could find.
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