Jacques-Henri Lartigue

French, 1894—1986

About

Jacques-Henri Lartigue

French, 1894—1986


Jacques-Henri Lartigue was a French photographer and painter, born on June 13, 1894, in Courbevoie, France, and passed away on September 12, 1986, in Nice, France. He is best known for his captivating and spontaneous photographs that depict the joie de vivre of early 20th-century France.

Lartigue began taking photographs at the age of seven and continued throughout his life, capturing moments of leisure, sports, and high society. His early photographs, especially those taken during his childhood and teenage years, provide a unique and intimate glimpse into the Belle Époque and Roaring Twenties.

Although he initially gained recognition for his photographs of car races and aviation, Lartigue’s body of work extends to a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. His photographs are characterized by their dynamic compositions, sharp focus, and keen sense of observation.

In addition to his photography, Lartigue was also a talented painter and sketch artist. His paintings often reflected the same playful and vibrant spirit found in his photographs.

Throughout his career, Lartigue received numerous awards and accolades, and his work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Today, he is considered one of the pioneers of modern photography and remains a celebrated figure in the history of the medium.