Jacques-Henri Lartigue

Date of Birth: June 13, 1894

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: September 12, 1986

Biography

Jacques-Henri Lartigue was a French photographer and painter, celebrated for his candid photographs of leisure activities in France during the early 20th century. Born into a wealthy family, Lartigue began taking photographs at a young age, capturing moments of his family’s opulent lifestyle. His work is notable for its spontaneous and joyful depiction of life, offering a unique window into the world of the Belle Époque and beyond. Although he initially pursued painting, it was photography that cemented his legacy. His photographs were not widely recognized until later in his life, but they have since been celebrated for their historical and artistic value. Lartigue passed away in 1986, leaving behind a rich archive of images that continue to inspire and delight.

5 Interesting Facts about Jacques-Henri Lartigue

1. Jacques-Henri Lartigue received his first camera at the age of seven and began documenting his life from that moment.

2. Despite his talent in photography, Lartigue considered himself primarily a painter for much of his life.

3. His work was largely unknown to the public until a major exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in 1963.

4. Lartigue was friends with several famous artists and intellectuals, including Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau.

5. His photographs are often characterized by their depiction of movement and joy, capturing the essence of early 20th-century leisure activities.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jacques-Henri Lartigue

1. “I take photographs to hold on to the ephemeral, to the fleeting moment which will never come back.”

2. “Photography to me is catching a moment which is passing, and which is true.”

3. “The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.”

4. “Seeing is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.”

5. “I have never taken a picture for any other reason than that at that moment it made me happy to do so.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Jacques-Henri Lartigue is not well-documented, as he was primarily celebrated for his artistic contributions rather than financial success. However, his photographic works have become highly valuable over time.