Herbert G. French Paintings

Herbert G. French was an American photographer, collector, and one of the prominent figures in the pictorialist photography movement in the early 20th century. Born in 1867, French made significant contributions to the art of photography, particularly through his leadership at the Cincinnati Art Museum and his work with the Cincinnati Camera Club.

French's interest in photography began in his early life, and he became an active member of the photographic community in Cincinnati. He was known for his artistic photographs, which often exhibited the soft-focus technique characteristic of pictorialism, aiming to elevate photography to the status of fine art. French's work was influenced by the philosophy that art photography should imitate the emotional expressiveness and aesthetics of paintings and etchings.

Throughout his career, French promoted the acceptance and appreciation of photography as an art form. He was instrumental in organizing exhibitions, particularly at the Cincinnati Art Museum, where he served as the curator of prints and in other leadership roles. His efforts helped to build the museum's collection of photographs and prints, and he was responsible for organizing several exhibitions that were critical in establishing photography as a legitimate art form alongside painting and sculpture.

French's own photographic works were exhibited widely and received acclaim during his lifetime. He was also a member of various photographic societies, through which he had a considerable influence on the photographic practices and standards of his time.

Herbert G. French passed away in 1941, leaving behind a legacy that had a lasting impact on the artistic community in Cincinnati and the field of photography as a whole. His commitment to the artistic potential of photography helped to shape the medium's development in the United States and ensured that future generations would recognize and value the artistic significance of photographic works.