The Flower Girl

Carrier-Belleuse Pierre-Gérard, born on January 28, 1851, in the vibrant heart of Paris, was a versatile French painter whose talents spanned an array of artistic genres. He was celebrated for his exquisite ballet scenes, delicate pastels, captivating landscapes, intimate portraits, and engaging genre scenes.

His artistic journey commenced under the guidance of his father, the esteemed sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824 – 1887), establishing a firm foundation in the world of art. The legacy of artistry ran deep in the Carrier-Belleuse family, with his brother, the painter Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse (1848 – 1913), sharing in the creative spirit.

To further refine his craft, Carrier-Belleuse sought mentorship from distinguished teachers and artists. He embarked on a transformative educational journey under the tutelage of masters such as Alexandre Cabanel (1823 – 1889) and Pierre Victor Galland (1822 – 1892) at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts.

In 1875, Carrier-Belleuse unveiled his artistic prowess to the world by exhibiting at the Salon, a milestone that set the stage for his illustrious career. His exceptional talent earned him a silver medal at the Exposition Universelle in 1889, further cementing his reputation as a notable artist. He extended his artistic reach by creating drawings and lithographs for Le Figaro Illustré.

A defining moment in Carrier-Belleuse’s career came during the tumultuous years of World War I. Between 1914 and 1916, alongside Auguste François-Marie Gorguet, he embarked on an ambitious endeavor—the creation of the Panthéon de la Guerre. This colossal painting, measuring 13.7 by 122.5 meters, featured nearly 5000 portraits, most of which were sketched from life, immortalizing notable French figures. A cadre of twenty artists played pivotal roles in its production. The Panthéon de la Guerre was exhibited in a specially constructed building, adjacent to the Hôtel des Invalides, though it was later demolished in 1960. Parts of this remarkable work found their way to the United States, where reconfigured portions of it can now be seen in the National World War I Museum at the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City.

In 1881, Carrier-Belleuse and his team embarked on another ambitious project, the “Panorama de Notre-Dame de Lourdes.” This painting, measuring 16 by 125 cm, depicted the Marian apparition of April 7, 1858, featuring over 500 figures. Regrettably, this masterpiece disappeared in 1956.

Pierre-Gérard Carrier-Belleuse bid adieu to the world on January 29, 1932, in his beloved Paris. While many of his paintings have found homes in private collections, his legacy as a versatile and accomplished artist continues to inspire and captivate those who appreciate the depth and diversity of his creative genius.