Leon Francois Comerre

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Léon François Comerre was born on October 10, 1850, in Trélon, a town in the Département du Nord in northern France. His father, Oscar Louis Comerre, worked as a schoolteacher. In 1853, the family relocated to Lille, where Léon spent much of his childhood. Despite starting formal schooling relatively late at the age of seven, he quickly demonstrated exceptional talent and academic ability. By the age of 17, he had won a gold medal at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lille for his artistic achievements.

This recognition earned him a scholarship that allowed him to pursue further studies in Paris at the prestigious École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts. There, he studied under Alexandre Cabanel, a renowned painter known for his influence on academic art and orientalism. Cabanel’s mentorship instilled in Comerre an appreciation for lush nudes and orientalist themes that would later define much of his work.

Artistic Career and Achievements

Comerre began exhibiting his work at the Paris Salon as early as 1871 with a painting titled L’Italienne. He participated in the Prix de Rome competition multiple times before finally winning it in 1875 with L’Ange annonçant aux bergers la naissance du Christ (The Angel Announcing the Birth of Christ to the Shepherds). This prestigious award granted him a scholarship to study at the French Academy in Rome from January 1876 to December 1879.

During his time in Rome, Comerre created several notable works such as Jézabel dévorée par les chiens (Jezebel Devoured by Dogs) and Junon (Juno) in 1878, as well as Le Lion amoureux (The Loving Lion) in 1879. Upon returning to Paris in 1880, he established himself as both a history painter and portraitist. His works often received official recognition; for instance, his painting Samson et Dalila (Samson and Delilah) earned him a second-class medal at the Paris Salon of 1881.

Comerre’s career flourished internationally as well. He exhibited his works not only across France but also abroad—in London at institutions like the Royal Academy and Royal Society of Portrait Painters—and even sold paintings to collectors in America. His painting Une Étoile (A Star), depicting a ballet dancer, became particularly popular among American audiences.

Style and Themes

Comerre is best known for his portraits of beautiful women and orientalist themes. His works often featured rich colors, intricate details, and an emphasis on sensuality or exoticism—hallmarks of academic art during this period. While many of his paintings depicted mythological or biblical subjects (Junon, Samson et Dalila), others focused on allegorical or everyday themes (Le Printemps, À bicyclette au Vésinet).

In addition to easel paintings, Comerre also completed large-scale mural commissions for public buildings such as town halls in Paris and Lyon. For example, he painted decorative murals representing “The Four Seasons” for the Salle des Fêtes (Banquet Hall) of Paris’s Fourth Arrondissement Town Hall.

Personal Life

In 1884, Comerre moved with his family to Vésinet—a suburb of Paris—where he lived until his death on February 20, 1916. He married Jacqueline Comerre-Paton, who was also an accomplished painter. Together they raised their son Maxime while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle supported by Léon’s successful career. Comerre was actively involved in local community life; from 1904 to 1908, he served as a member of Vésinet’s city council.

His nephew Albert Gleizes would later gain fame as one of the pioneers of Cubism.

Legacy

Comerre’s contributions to art were widely recognized during his lifetime. In addition to receiving numerous awards throughout Europe—including prizes at international exhibitions like Antwerp’s Exposition Universelle (1885)—he was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour in France in 1903.

A catalogue raisonné documenting Comerre’s body of work was published by Les Presses Artistiques in Paris in 1980.

Top Works by Léon François Comerre:

• L’Annonce aux bergers (1875)
• Jézabel dévorée par les chiens (1878)
• Junon (1878)
• Le Lion amoureux (1879)
• Samson et Dalila (1881)
• Une Étoile (1882)
• Le Printemps, le Destin et l’Hiver (triptych) (1888)
• Portraits such as those of Suzanne Hudelo and Rosita Mauri

Top Three Authoritative Sources Used:

1. Les Presses Artistiques Catalogue Raisonné
   A comprehensive publication documenting all known works by Léon François Comerre along with detailed descriptions and historical context about each piece.

2. École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts Archives
   Official records from one of France’s most prestigious art schools provide insights into Comerre’s education under Alexandre Cabanel and achievements like winning the Prix de Rome.

3. Paris Salon Exhibition Records
   Historical documentation from one of Europe’s most important art exhibitions highlights key milestones throughout Comerre’s career including awards for specific paintings like Samson et Dalila.