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Albert de Belleroche, stands as a remarkable figure in late 19th and early 20th-century painting and lithography. Born in 1864 in Wales, Belleroche grew up in France, and forged friendships with some of the era’s most celebrated artists, notably John Singer Sargent and some the French Impressionists.Although born in Wales, he was the son of the Marquis de Belleroche, of one of the most ancient French noble families who, being Huguenots, had fled to England in 1685. Following his father’s death he returned to Paris to study at the studio of Carolus Duran, and spent hours copying paintings at the Paris Museums. He soon became familiar with the leading painters and intellectuals of the day, and became a founder member of the Salon d’Automne, exhibiting alongside the Impressionists and associating with Emile Zola, Oscar Wilde, Albert Moore, Renoir, Degas, Helleu and Toulouse-Lautrec.
The Impressionist movement’s emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere left an indelible mark on Belleroche’s work, infusing it with a vibrancy and spontaneity. Belleroche and Toulouse-Lautrec first met at the age of eighteen and as well as sharing a passion for art and painting, they also used the same life models for studies and paintings. One particular model, who was Belleroche’s favourite model and mistress became the face of Toulouse-Lautrec’s famous Belle Epoch posters.
His association with John Singer Sargent, a master of portraiture, undoubtedly influenced Belleroche’s own approach. The two artists shared an affinity for capturing the essence of their subjects with a keen eye for detail and a nuanced understanding of light and shadow. They became life-long friends. In his paintings and drawings, Belleroche expertly navigated the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, blending the influences of his renowned peers into a distinctive style. His portraitures are often marked by a sense of intimacy and psychological insight.
The exhibition will feature a curated selection of paintings and drawings that showcase the artist’s mastery of form, movement, and emotion. From intimate portraits to landscapes and still life, each piece provides a glimpse into the artist’s unique perspective and the life of a painter in Paris during this time period. With hints of the recognisable painted language of the Impressionists and the light, textures and mark-making of Sargent, this extraordinary collection, promises to immerse art enthusiasts in the evocative world of one of the 20th century’s most revered talents. Albert de Belleroche’s oeuvre, renowned for its emotive depth and technical brilliance, will be on display at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum from 3 May 2024 to 22 September 2024.
This exhibition is courtesy of Liss Llewelyn, Fine Art Dealers EST. 1991
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
East Cliff Promenade, BH1 3AA Bournemouth, United Kingdom, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
