Ottmann Henry

Biography

Henri Ottmann, born April 10, 1877 in Ancenis (Loire-Atlantique) and died June 1, 1927 in Vernon (Eure), is a French painter known for his impressionist approach. Son of Henri Philippe Ottmann and Louise Lemaistre, he married Marie Céline André Capron in Ixelles, Belgium, on October 22, 1902. Ottmann trained at the Académie Julian in Paris. In 1898, he was one of the founders of the free workshop Labeur for painters in Belgium, where he began to develop his style. In 1903, he exhibited for the first time at La Libre Esthétique in Brussels, presenting works such as "Vue de la gare du Luxembourg", executed in varied atmospheric conditions. This painting, made outdoors from a bridge overlooking the tracks, demonstrates his talent for capturing the effects of light and atmosphere. Before World War I, Ottmann drew inspiration from Impressionism, particularly the work of Auguste Renoir and Claude Monet, using repetitive motifs and a vibrant colour palette. His ambition was to create large ornamental compositions based on modern subjects. He participated in the Salon des Indépendants, the Salon d'Automne, and exhibited at the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts and the Salon des Tuileries. Based in Montmartre, he spent many stays in the La Baule region, seeking inspiration in the coastal landscapes. His artistic legacy continues to influence the generations of painters who follow him.