Paris remembers Pierre Langlade. Who was this man worthy of a street named in his honor? Pierre Émile Augustin Langlade was a French painter of the 20th century. He was born in La Rochelle.
Langlade’s artistic journey began early. His uncle, an art enthusiast, influenced him greatly. At seventeen, he entered the École des Beaux-Arts in Nantes thanks to his painter uncle Gabriel Charlopeau. He became a student of Paul Albert Laurens at the Académie Julian in Paris. Langlade quickly gained recognition. He participated in the Salon d’automne and the Exposition universelle of 1937.
After his Parisian studies, Pierre Langlade returned to La Rochelle. He spent the rest of his life there. Langlade illustrated Fernand Darde’s book. The book was titled La Rochelle au visage marin. He also published La Rochelle notes sur ses monuments with Henry Gayot. Langlade never married. He lived with his uncle Otten on Rue Nicolas-Venette. This privileged family situation allowed him to travel extensively. Pierre Langlade died in La Rochelle.
Critics considered Pierre Langlade a “classical virtuoso”. His art showed strong inspiration within reasonable limits. He avoided extremes. Langlade explored all genres. His painting remained unified despite its variety. His Saumur painting is full of humor. His Oriental fantasy is coldly academic. Langlade’s landscapes are moving. Examples are Printemps, Pins, and Moisson.
He also created portraits and still lifes. These included autumn bouquets with warm tones. Field flowers and bouquets of roses were also subjects. His drawings, watercolors, and gouaches display diverse subjects and methods. As a recognized painter, he exhibited in France and abroad. His paintings are in many museums. Pierre Langlade was awarded the Chevalier du Mérite national. His legacy lives on in La Rochelle. A street there bears his name. This street in Paris serves as another memorial. It honors a talented artist. Remember Pierre Langlade as you explore this street.