Antoine Blanchard

(around 1914 – 1988)

Antoine Blanchard was born in a village near Blois, on the river Loire, shortly before the first world war.  His father had an important joinery business and was well known in the area.  Perhaps it was through watching his father carving wood and producing fine craftsmanship that the artistic spirit was kindled in the young boy, but, at an early age he showed considerable artistic ability.

Soon his parents were actively encouraging Antoine by sending him to Blois for drawing lessons.  They realised this would only give him the rudiments and to achieve a successful artistic career he would need expert guidance, and so he was sent to Rennes to attend classes at the School of Beaux Arts.  He studied for three years and developed a remarkable drawing skill which was to prove invaluable in later life.  Sadly Antoine Blanchard’s artistic hopes were shelved when he had to take over the family joinery business left to him by his father shortly after the war.  He painted occasionally for pleasure, but, had to refuse many important commissions from art dealers as business pressures were so great.

Eventually, after the second world war, he retired from business and moved to Paris, in order to devote his time to painting the street scenes which gave him so much inspiration.  Taking no interest in the modern life, he lived in a world which delighted him - the Paris of the 1900’s.  His paintings not only show the glory of Paris and it’s monuments, but, also reveal a period full of grace and charm.

He had no desire to exhibit his work at any of the public exhibitions in France, but in spite of this he has become increasingly well known for his interpretation of Paris scenes.  His technique, combined with the sensitivity of his brushwork, appeals to many collectors and examples of his paintings can be found in private collections in France, Great Britain, Germany, the United States and Canada.

Antoine Blanchard died in 1988.