Frederick Frieseke (1874-1939)
Frederick Frieseke was born in Michigan. Although he preferred to call himself a self-taught artist he did study at the Art Students League in New York, the Academie Julian in Paris and at the Modern Gallery in Munich. He also studied under Whistler in Paris for a brief time. Frieseke was a leading American Impressionist who moved to France in 1898 and stayed until his death. In 1906 he moved to Giverny, becoming neighbors with Monet who inspired a richer color spectrum.
Frieseke was viewed as the leader of the last generation of American painters to converge at the famous spot, many of whom used the surrounding landscape as a backdrop for-rather than the primary subject of-their compositions. Frieseke expressed admiration for the work of Pierre Auguste Renoir, and, like the French artist, became known for his paintings of women. These works were sometimes set in interiors, but were frequently situated in vibrant gardens or quietly picturesque spots in the environs of Giverny, along the rivers Epte and Seine. Frieseke's richly colored canvases have their roots in impressionism, but their intense decorative patterning also suggests a transition to post-impressionism. The artist enjoyed an international reputation, and was especially popular in Italy, where an entire room of his work was placed on view at the 1909 Venice Biennale.
Source:Adelson Galleries, AskArt |
