Carlton Wiggins Paintings

Carlton Alfred Smith Wiggins was a distinguished French landscape and animal painter, born on February 4, 1848, in Saint-Martin's, Seine-et-Oise (now in the Île-de-France region of France). He is often remembered for his pastoral scenes that vividly capture the rural life of France, especially its livestock and agricultural landscapes. His work showcases a profound connection to the French countryside, characterized by a delicate interplay of light and a rich palette that brings his subjects to life with a sense of realism and emotional depth.

Wiggins received his artistic training at the École des Beaux-Arts under the tutelage of Alexandre Cabanel, a prominent academic painter. However, Wiggins was greatly influenced by the Barbizon school, a mid-19th-century French art movement that emphasized naturalism and plein-air painting. This influence is evident in his preference for outdoor scenes, the naturalistic rendering of light, and his focus on landscapes and animals as his primary subjects.

Throughout his career, Carlton Wiggins enjoyed considerable success and recognition. He exhibited his works at the Paris Salon, an annual art exhibition in Paris that was the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and was awarded several medals for his contributions to French art. His paintings were sought after by art collectors in France and abroad, contributing to his reputation as one of the leading landscape and animal painters of his time.

Despite his success, Wiggins remained deeply connected to the countryside, often spending time in rural areas to draw inspiration from the natural beauty and pastoral life that he so cherished. His ability to capture the essence of French rural life, with its serene landscapes and the daily routines of its inhabitants, has left a lasting legacy in the world of art.

Carlton Wiggins passed away on June 11, 1932, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to be celebrated for its contribution to the naturalist movement in French art. His paintings are held in high regard and can be found in various museums and private collections around the world, serving as a testament to his skill and passion for the natural world.