Henry Gerbault Paintings

Henry Gerbault, whose full name was Henri Gerbault or Jean Louis Armand Henri Gerbault, was a French illustrator, watercolorist, and poster artist known for his light-hearted and humorous take on French society during the Belle Époque. Born on June 24, 1863, in Châtenay, France, he grew up to be a prominent figure in the world of early 20th-century illustration.

Gerbault started his artistic journey studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris but was more drawn to the vibrant and evolving scene of magazine illustration than to the academic pursuits of the fine arts. He began contributing to various periodicals such as 'La Vie Parisienne,' 'Fantasio,' 'Le Rire,' and 'L'Assiette au Beurre.' His work typically featured chic Parisian women, often in comedic or satirical scenarios, reflecting the mores and leisurely lifestyle of the time.

An acute observer of the social scene, Gerbault had a knack for capturing the essence of the era's fashion and the dynamics between men and women in his illustrations. His art was also characterized by its vibrant use of color and dynamic compositions, which helped to elevate the status of illustrative art during that period.

In addition to magazines, Gerbault's work was also popular in advertising. He created numerous posters and promotional materials for a variety of products, capitalizing on his ability to engage viewers with charm and wit. Despite the jovial nature of his work, Gerbault was a serious and dedicated artist, continuously refining his style and exploring new techniques throughout his career.

Sadly, like many artists of his time, Gerbault's work fell out of fashion as the world moved towards the modernist sensibilities of the mid-20th century. He died on October 19, 1930, in Roscoff, Brittany. Although his name might not be as widely recognized today as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to the art of illustration and poster design remain significant, and his work continues to be appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts of Belle Époque art.