Paul de Longpré

Paul de Longpré (1855-1911) was a French flower painter, actively chiefly in the United States. He was born in Lyons, France, and was entirely self-taught. From his twelfth year he practiced successfully in Paris as a painter of fans. At 21 he first exhibited at the Salon. Having lost his money by the failure of a Paris bank, he removed in 1890 to New York and in 1896 held an exhibition of flower pieces which secured him instant recognition. In 1899 he removed to California and two years later built a beautiful home at Hollywood, which became celebrated for its magnificient flower gardens. De Longpre painted only perfect specimens of flowers; with delicacy of touch and feeling for color he united scientific knowledge, and he also knew how to give expression to the subtle essence of the flower. Among the finest of his paintings are "Double Peach Blossoms" and "White Fringed Poppies" (1902), which are widely known through popular reproductions.

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