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Henri Martin was born August 5, 1860 in Toulouse. His early works were devoted to poetic
and allegorical themes reflecting his training at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Toulouse. After
winning the Grand Prix he moved to Paris in 1879 to study at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts under
Jean-Paul Laurens. Martin exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Francais in Paris from 1880,
winning a medal at the 1883 Salon.
A visit to Italy in 1885 brought a new lyrical freedom to his work. On Henri Martin's return to
Paris in 1889, he began experimenting with pointillism and turned almost exclusively to
landscape. In the 1890's his work showed links with Symbolism. He was an associate of the
Symbolists and exhibited at their acclaimed showcase -- the first Salon de la Rose Croix in
1892. Under the influence of Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, Martin adopted pointillism,
which is exemplary of his most successful works, those rendered in the latter part of his career
after having found the technique at which he excelled.
In 1889 Henri Martin exhibited at La Fete de la Federation where he was presented with a gold
medal. He was named Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1896, and in 1900 won the grand
prize at the Exposition Universelle. Martin was named Commander of the Legion of Honour in
1914, and became a member of the Institut in 1918.
In 1900 Henri Martin purchased the home known as Marquayrol overlooking the Village of La
Bastide du Vert not far from his native Toulouse. Henri Martin would produce many of his most
memorable paintings in these environs during the remainder of his life. The ancient arched
bridges, charming stone buildings and stands of poplar trees along banks of the river would
become to Henri Martin what Giverny was to Claude Monet: an unending source of inspiration,
wonder and beauty. Maison au Bord du Ruisseau is an exceptional example from this period.
The fresh jewel like colors, Martin's inimitable pointillist technique as well as the large scale and
superb condition of this work all combine to place this painting among the most beautiful and
poetic landscapes executed by the artist.
His work can be found in many private collections and museums including the Musee d'Orsay,
and the Musee du Petit Palais, Paris; Philadelphia Art Museum; in addition to numerous French
museums.
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