Henri Royer

Henri Royer:Paysanne au tombeau

Henri Royer is the son of Jules Royer (1845-1900), creator of one of the most important lithographic printing works established in Nancy, rue de la Salpêtrière.[1] Raised in the art world from a young age, Royer joined the Nancy School of Fine Arts where he met Émile Friant.[2] He attended the classes of Antoine Vierling and Louis-Théodore Devilly[3] and exhibited his first works at the Salon de Nancy, including Fight between two young typos and Young plasterer. These early successes prompt his parents and teachers to encourage a study trip to Holland with Friant, who would then influence Royer.[4]

At his return in 1888, and after attending the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, in 1890 he continued his studies at the Académie Julian under Jules Joseph Lefebvre and François Flameng. He exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, specializing in genre paintings and portraits. As a portraitist, he encountered many famous figures from the aristocracy, politics, diplomacy, science and the arts. As a result, his critics described him as one of Ingres' disciples.[5]

Family from Brittany praying in front of the Pont-Croix Church, 47x53cm

In 1896, together with his wife, he arrived in Brittany, where he was to spend long periods for the rest of his life, especially in and around Audierne. Unlike other artists, he was above all interested in the people rather than the scenery. In order to become closer to them, he even learnt to speak Breton. His paintings reveal careful attention to their costumes. A devout Catholic, he also painted religious subjects including solitary figures at prayer.[5]

Royer taught at the Académie Julian [6] and at the École des Beaux-Arts. Among his many students were Georgina and Lucilio de Albuquerque, Fréderic Fiebig, Jacques Majorelle, Thérèse Geraldy and Émile Louis Picault.

When the First World War broke out, he was first incorporated into the 41st Infantry Regiment. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre on November 17, 1915, and the Military Cross on August 10, 1916. Thereafter, Henri Royer joined the 1st Regiment of Engineering camouflage section on November 1, 1916[7] · [8] His work was part of the painting event in the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics.[9]

He was promoted officer of the Legion of Honor on August 11, 1931.[8] He died seven years later, on October 31, 1938.

He signed his artwork Henri Royer.[10]

Professor at the Académie Julian in Paris and at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Henri Royer counted many students in his studio.

The Ex-voto (1898), musée des beaux-arts de Quimper.

The Meadow of legends, musée des beaux-arts de Brest

In front of the sea (1935)

• In 2008, an exhibition is organized in Audierne to pay tribute to the painter.