The great name of neo-impressionism with Georges Seurat and Paul Signac , Henri-Edmond Cross (1856–1910) played an important role in the birth of Fauvism by familiarizing Henri Matisse with the science of colors. Before that, this painter settled in the South of France for health reasons developed one of the most lyrical palettes of his generation, exploring the colors of the South in his Provençal lanscapes.
He said
“I would like my spontaneous, instinctive conception of the image to be above all: harmony. "
His life
Born in Douai, under the name of Delacroix, the young Henri-Edmond began studying law while taking painting lessons with Carolus-Duran in Lille. In the early 1880s, he moved to Paris and devoted himself to his art studies in Bonvin's studio. At that time, his palette was dark and marked by realism. Wanting to exhibit at the Salon, he changed his last name - Delacroix was not easy to wear - and adopted the name Cross, in homage to his mother, of English origin. Quickly, he turned to Impressionism.
In 1884, Cross joined forces with the founders of the Salon des Indépendants, an annual exhibition that was intended to be the opposite of the traditional Salon. Georges Seurat and Paul Signac are also among the founders. Through them, Cross discovered neo-impressionism, whose manifesto Un Dimanche à l'île de la Grande Jatte de Seurat was exhibited in 1886. Cross remained faithful to this Salon all his life, and also exhibited in Belgium.
In 1890, the artist embarked on the adventure of neo-impressionism, adopting the division of colors and the stippling technique. He painted the portrait of Irma Clare, who would become his wife. A great designer, he also participated in anarchist reviews, alongside his friend Maximilien Luce, a politically engaged painter. Cross was also a talented watercolorist. Like many artists of his time, like Seurat, he was influenced by Japonism.
Cross is affected by health problems, rheumatism which necessitates his move to sunnier regions. In 1891, he chose Saint-Clair, in Lavandou, not far from Saint-Tropez. It is thanks to him that Signac will come to settle in this region. The luminosity of the landscapes, the presence of the sea, considerably influence his work.
The painter creates large series of Mediterranean landscapes marked by a lyrical palette, and the adoption of pure colors. The small dots of the beginnings give way to larger brush strokes. In 1904, he welcomed young painters who had come to the South to renew their landscape inspiration. Among them is Henri Matisse. Matisse learned a lot from Cross, and paid homage to him in Luxe, Calme and Volupté (1904), a painting inspired by a work by Cross, L'Air du soir (circa 1893). Cross favors idyllic themes and the decorative quality of the painting.
In 1910, the artist, very weakened by cancer, died in Saint-Clair at the age of 54. The following year, his hometown paid homage to him by organizing a retrospective exhibition.
His key works
Henri-Edmond Cross, Monaco , 1884
This painting painted in his uncle's house illustrates his entry into the world of Impressionism. While maintaining a realistic approach to his subject, the artist is careful to represent the effects of light, the play of his passages between the branches. This work was exhibited at the first edition of the Salon des Indépendants in Paris, in 1884.
Henri-Edmond Cross, L'Air du soir , circa 1893
This vast composition stages a fantasized vision of the Mediterranean region. In the light of an idyllic late afternoon, the artist represents women engaged in secular activities. Everything reflects plenitude and calm. Compared to Cross's early divisionist works, his touch has asserted itself and gained more scope. The canvas, by its decorative character, evokes the art of mosaic or tapestry. It inspired Matisse who came to visit Cross and Signac in the South in 1904.
Henri-Edmond Cross, Afternoon in Pardigon , 1907
This work is emblematic of Cross's latest manner, which is frankly lyrical. The artist no longer pays into the local tone but uses almost unreal colors to represent the Provençal landscape. His palette is that of a fawn, exalting the colors and creating oppositions between them. Through these exuberant colors, which fascinated Maurice Denis , Cross sought to translate the effects of the blazing sun. The artist was in search of pure light. Beaux-Arts: Claire Maingon
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