Did you know that Rue Alphonse Leroy is named after a man of many talents? Alphonse Leroy was born in Lille. He died here too. Let’s delve into the story behind this street’s namesake.
Alphonse Leroy’s family had deep roots in Lille. Since the 17th century, they were known for their oil industry activity. Alphonse combined his artistic gifts with technical skills. He embraced the possibilities of the 19th century. This applied to both engraving and photography.
His artistic journey began in Paris around 1844. Alphonse trained with engraver Charles Cousin. Cousin had a studio in the Louvre. There, Alphonse befriended several artists. These included Carolus-Duran and Camille Corot. He also knew Cabanel and the Goncourt brothers. Hector Hanoteau and Paul Gachet were also among his friends. He even taught engraving to Gachet.
Émilien de Nieuwerkerke supported Alphonse. Nieuwerkerke was the superintendent of the Academie des Beaux-Arts. He quickly recognized Alphonse’s engraving talent and became his friend. During the Paris Commune, Alphonse documented events. He created seven photographs of barricades and the death of Monseigneur d’Arboy. These were based on drawings by Félix Philippoteaux.
In 1872, Alphonse joined the Société des éclectiques. His friend Gachet also joined. This society aimed to help artists in need. It was formed by Achille Ricourt, Aglaüs Bouvenne, and Eva Gonzalès. They held monthly lunches. Often, a member would create an engraving to commemorate the occasion.
Alphonse Leroy returned to Lille in 1888. He became a professor of engraving. He taught at the local academic schools. Several of his students achieved success. Georges Buisset and Louis Danel were among them. Also Arthur Mayeur, Edmond-Jules Pennequin, and Émile Théodore. Omer Désiré Bouchery remembered Leroy fondly even decades later.
Leroy co-founded the Union artistique du Nord. He also presided over the Wicar museum commission. Later it was known as the Palais des Beaux-Arts.
Alphonse excelled in all engraving techniques. He was especially skilled in interpretative engraving. He created three large collections of engravings. These were based on the works of the masters. He also illustrated many books. Alphonse left behind many drawings and engravings. Sixty-five copperplates are in the Louvre. 188 engravings have been identified. He also took numerous photos of artists. These included portraits of Corot and Manet.
The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille holds a large collection of his work. Other museums in France, the USA, and Mexico also have his pieces. Friends and students painted his portrait. These included François Bonvin and Omer Bouchery. Also Désiré-Auguste Ghesquière, Hector Hanoteau, and Arthur Mayeur.
Alphonse Leroy died in Lille in 1902. He left behind a rich artistic legacy.
So, as we stand on Rue Alphonse Leroy, remember the engraver. Remember the photographer. Remember the teacher who contributed so much to Lille’s artistic heritage. His work lives on in museums and in the very fabric of this city.