Louis Marie De Schryver

Louis Marie de Schryver (12 October 1862 – 26 December 1942) was a French painter celebrated for his vibrant and detailed depictions of Parisian life during the Belle Époque. He is best known for his renderings of flower markets, urban streetscapes, and portraits of fashionable women, his work encapsulates the elegance, charm, and vitality of late 19th and early 20th-century Paris. His meticulous technique and ability to portray light, texture, and movement made him one of the key chroniclers of this golden age in French history.

Louis Marie de Schryver
Louis Marie de Schryver
Born	(1862-10-12)October 12, 1862 Paris, France
Died	December 26, 1942(1942-12-26) (aged 80) Paris, France
Nationality	French
Known for	Painting
Movement	Belle Époque
Awards	Medal, Universal Exhibition of 1889

Biography

Early life and background

Louis Marie de Schryver was born on 12 October 1862 in Paris, France, into a wealthy bourgeois family. His father, a well-established journalist, supported Louis's artistic ambitions from a young age. Growing up in an affluent household, de Schryver was exposed to the sophisticated culture of Paris, which would later become the primary subject of his artistic oeuvre.

From an early age, de Schryver demonstrated a natural talent for drawing and painting. At the remarkably young age of 13, he exhibited his first work at the prestigious Paris Salon in 1876, a rare achievement that immediately drew attention to his prodigious skills.

Artistic development and education

Though he did not receive formal training in an established art academy, de Schryver benefited from private mentorship and interactions with leading artists of his time. Influenced by the academic style of the 19th century, his early works emphasized precision and realistic details. Over time, his artistic style evolved to incorporate elements of Impressionism, particularly in his handling of light and atmosphere.

His upbringing in Paris exposed him to the city's dynamic streets, bustling flower markets, and fashionable society, all of which became recurring themes in his paintings. The Belle Époque provided the perfect backdrop for his works, as Paris was synonymous with cultural vibrancy and artistic innovation during this period.

Artistic career

Louis Marie de Schryver's career spanned more than five decades, during which he gained recognition as a prominent painter of Belle Époque Paris. His works often depicted scenes of everyday life, but with a focus on beauty, elegance, and refinement.

Signature themes

Femme à la Rose Rose (Lady with Pink Rose), Louis Marie de Schryver

De Schryver's artistic focus can be categorized into three main themes:

• Flower Markets: One of the defining features of de Schryver's work is his detailed portrayals of Parisian flower markets. He was exceptionally skilled at capturing the delicate textures and vivid colors of flower, juxtaposed with the movement and energy of the bustling marketplaces.
• Portraits of Women: De Schryver painted several exquisite portraits of fashionable Parisian women, capturing their grace, beauty, and the latest Belle Époque fashions. Notable works include Femme à la Rose Rose (Lady with Pink Rose), which exemplifies his ability to render intricate details such as lace, fabric, and floral embellishments.
• Cityscapes and Urban Life: His paintings of urban settings capture the architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and the rhythm of Parisian streets. Through his attention to detail, de Schryver immortalized Paris's dynamic and ever-changing character.

Exhibitions and awards

De Schryver exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, where his works were met with critical acclaim. He received a medal at the Universal Exhibition in 1889, further solidifying his position as a celebrated artist.

Notable works

Throughout his career, de Schryver produced numerous notable works, including:

• Le Marché aux fleurs sur le Pont Marie (The Flower Market on the Pont Marie)
• Bouquetière sur les Champs-Élysées (Flower Seller on the Champs-Élysées)
• Les Bouquinistes sur les quais de Seine (Booksellers on the Banks of the Seine)
• Femme à la Rose Rose (Lady with Pink Rose)
• Rue Royale, Paris (1898) – Achieved a record price of $662,500 at Christie's New York in 2012.
• La Marchande de Fleurs – Rue de Rivoli (1892)

Auction records and legacy

De Schryver's works have continued to attract significant attention in the art market. His painting Rue Royale, Paris set an auction record, selling for $662,500 at Christie's in 2012. His portraits are highly regarded for their elegance and meticulous detail.

Later life and death

In his later years, de Schryver continued to paint, though his output diminished as modernist movements like Cubism rose to prominence. He died on 26 December 1942 in Paris. Today, he is remembered as a quintessential chronicler of Belle Époque Paris.