Louis-Anselme Longa | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of L.A. Longa, crayon and gouache | |
| Born | 4 April 1809 Mont-de-Marsan, France |
| Died | 13 December 1869 (1869-12-14) (aged 60) Mont-de-Marsan, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Education | Paul Delaroche |
| Known for | Painter |
| Style | Genre art,Academic style |
| Movement | Orientalist |
Louis-Anselme Longa (4 April 1809 – 13 December 1869) was a Frenchgenre artist in theAcademic style. He also created numerous church paintings, but is best known for hisOrientalist works.
He studied design in Paris withPaul Delaroche,[1] and had his first exhibit at theSalon of 1835. Originally, he appears to have been attracted to thetroubador style.
In 1841, he was hired by the "Commission d'exploration scientifique d'Algérie" and employed as a painter and draftsman's assistant to accompany an expedition.[1] He went toAlgiers first, but did most of his work in the region surroundingConstantine, which had recently been occupied by French troops. Eventually, 138 portraits and scenes were completed and delivered toJean-de-Dieu Soult, Chairman of the Commission. They are currently in the possession of theMuséum National d'Histoire Naturelle. In regard to his portraits, Longa was accused by his superior, ColonelBory de Saint-Vincent, of departing from their original scientific and didactic intent, but Longa's approach was defended by Soult.[citation needed]
From 1843 to 1847, some of the more notable paintings were presented at the Salon. His experiences and drawings were also turned into a "report", published by the new journalL'Illustration,[2] with text by Alphonse Castaing (1822-1888).
He returned permanently to Mont-de-Marsan in 1848 and opened a studio. Much of his time was spent creating promotions and decorations for local events or visiting celebrities. In 1866, he was named a Professor of design at the newly opened "Lycée Impérial de Mont-de-Marsan" (later renamed in honor ofVictor Duruy) and remained there until his death.[2]
In addition to his work in Algeria, he painted numerous portraits and created decorations in several churches; most notably those in his hometown,Geloux,Tartas,Maillères andUchacq-et-Parentis. Very often, however, attribution of specific details is difficult and some works may have been done in conjunction with his brother Louis-François, a goldsmith and amateur painter.
Media related toLouis-Anselme Longa at Wikimedia Commons
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