Fantin-Latour, Henri

(1836-1904)

   painter, lithographer

   Born in Grenoble, Henri Fantin-Latour worked in various studios, including that of gustave courbet. The influence of naturalism in his works is strengthened by his references to the earlier masters. A friend of the impressionists, and especially of Edouard manet, edgar degas, and the American James whistler, he was only superficially influenced by them. In his large formal group portraits, which approach photographic realism but with a certain coldness, he pays homage to the artists of his era (Hommage à Delacroix, 1864; Un Atelier aux Batignolles, 1870; Un Coin de la table, 1872). Fantin-Latour's drawings and lithographs, which later were the inspiration for certain musical works, reveal his symbolist tendencies.