“His aesthetic, still imbued with academicism, however announces the young up-and-coming painting. Trained in French taste, he remains one of the last representatives of an era that is coming to an end.”
Michel Champagne, The Canadian Encyclopedia
Henri Beau (27 June 1863 – 15 May 1949) was born in Montreal, Quebec. Starting as a teenager he developed into a distinguished artist that earned accolades that spanned multiple countries and artistic movements.
In 1880, Beau set his sights on Paris, the epicenter of the art world. There, he delved into the world of painting and was deeply influenced by the Impressionistic styles of renowned artists like Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley. His time in Paris was marked by exploration, as he ventured to Italy and Spain before returning to the French capital.
Henri Beau; Jaujac, Ardèche, France
In 1886, seeking to further refine his artistic skills, Beau returned to France for additional studies. He enrolled at the prestigious Académie Julian and also worked with Jean-Léon Gérôme at the École des Beaux-Arts, honing his craft under the guidance of established masters.
Continuing his pursuit of artistic excellence, Beau expanded his horizons by studying under Edmund Dyonnett in Montreal in 1892. His enriched knowledge made him skilled in painting historical subjects, nudes, flowers, portraits, and landscapes
Henri Beau; Children on the Bridge
Beau's talents bore fruit in the 1890s when he made his debut as an exhibiting artist. His remarkable achievements in the art world were underscored when he clinched the third prize for painting at the Universal Exhibition. This accolade catapulted his career, leading to exhibitions of his work in Europe, America, and his home country, Canada.
A significant milestone in Beau's career occurred during the World's Fair in 1900 when he was honored with a bronze medal for his artistic contributions.
In 1915, he became an official painter and copyist of the Public Archives of Canada until 1938, and in Paris he became a member of the French Academy. In his final years between 1939 to 1949, his paintings were centered around southern France in the Jaujac region of Ardeche.
Henri Beau; Ploumanac’h, Coté de Bretagnecon
In 2023, Henri Beau's artistic legacy continued to thrive as the highest price ever recorded for a Beau artwork was achieved at auction. This deservedly served as a testament to the enduring appeal and recognition of Beau's artistic contributions.