Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Steps at Chartes

Name Class Date

Henri Le Sidaner, Steps at Chartes (1913). Public domain.

The facts

Artist
Henri Le Sidaner originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/henri-le-sidaner/
Artist’s dates
1862 – 1939
Painted
1913

In context

Steps at Chartes — Henri Le Sidaner

When was this painted?

  1. 1860
  2. 1870
  3. 1880
  4. 1890
  5. 1900
  6. 1910
  7. 1920
  8. 1930

Shaded: the lifetime of Henri Le Sidaner (1862–1939) ▲ this work, 1913

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/henri-le-sidaner-steps-at-chartes-8YDW4Y-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Quinacridone Magenta #785d40

    Catalogued palette

    • #785D40
    • #564431
    • #332A24
    • #A38763
    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Quinacridone Magenta
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Henri Le Sidaner

    Born in Port Louis, Mauritius

    Early Life and Background

    Name: Henri Eugène Augustin Le Sidaner

    Other Names: Henri Eugene Augustin le Sidaner

    Born: August 7, 1862, Port Louis, Mauritius

    Died: July 14, 1939

    Le Sidaner was born in Port Louis, Mauritius, to Jean Marie Le Sidaner and Amélie Henrietta Robberechts. His father worked as a ship inspector for Lloyd's. The family returned to France in 1872, settling in Dunkerque.

    He displayed an early interest in painting and received support from his parents. He attended the Collège et Lycée Notre Dame des Dunes in Dunkerque.

    A scholarship from the city of Dunkerque enabled him to move to Paris and study at the prestigious École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts.

    Artistic Training and Influences

    At the École des Beaux-Arts, Le Sidaner studied under Alexandre Cabanel, a prominent figure in Belle Époque French painting. However, he later resigned due to artistic differences.

    Early influences included Édouard Manet and Claude Monet, as well as the Pointillists. He was drawn to their innovative use of color and light.

    He joined the Colonie artistique d'Étaples, a group of artists working together in Étaples, further developing his skills and artistic vision.

    Artistic Style and Development

    Le Sidaner’s style is characterized by subdued colors, nuanced greys, and opals applied with uneven, dappled brushstrokes. This technique creates a unique atmosphere and sense of mysticism in his paintings.

    He was particularly skilled at nocturne painting, capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow during twilight hours.

    His work evolved over time, moving from early influences to a more personal style that blended Impressionistic techniques with Symbolist elements.

    After settling at Gerberoy in the Picardy countryside for over thirty years, he became renowned for his seductive views of the gardens he created within the ruins of a medieval fortress. These paintings often featured dappled sunlight and roses, solidifying his reputation as a unique artist.

    Major Works and Recognition

    Notable works include "Still Life and a Window, Gisors," available on AllPaintingsStore.com.

    His paintings are exhibited at the Musée des Beaux-Arts Tournai in Belgium, showcasing an impressive collection of French Post-Impressionism.

    Le Sidaner's work was widely collected throughout his career, demonstrating its popularity and artistic merit.

    He received a bronze medal at the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1891.

    In 1905, he exhibited a series of Venice paintings to great acclaim in London and Paris.

    He was created a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1913.

    Historical Significance

    Le Sidaner is often considered "the last of the Impressionists," bridging the gap between Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.

    His unique style, combining elements of various movements while maintaining a distinct personal touch, sets him apart from his contemporaries.

    He captured the essence of domestic interiors and quiet street scenes with remarkable sensitivity and skill, offering viewers glimpses into intimate moments and tranquil landscapes.

    His legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, as evidenced by the ongoing exhibitions and availability of his works on platforms like AllPaintingsStore.com.

    Where to read more

    • The artist Henri Le Sidaner originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/henri-le-sidaner/
    • Similar works More works to compare originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/henri-le-sidaner-steps-at-chartes-8YDW4Y-en/

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Steps at Chartes

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/henri-le-sidaner-steps-at-chartes-8YDW4Y-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Sidaner, Henri Le. Steps at Chartes. 1913, https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/henri-le-sidaner-steps-at-chartes-8YDW4Y-en/
    APA
    Sidaner, Henri Le (1913). Steps at Chartes [Painting]. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/henri-le-sidaner-steps-at-chartes-8YDW4Y-en/
    Chicago
    Henri Le Sidaner. Steps at Chartes. 1913. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/henri-le-sidaner-steps-at-chartes-8YDW4Y-en/
    Harvard
    Sidaner, Henri Le (1913) Steps at Chartes. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/henri-le-sidaner-steps-at-chartes-8YDW4Y-en/

    Look closely

    Steps at Chartes — Henri Le Sidaner

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Little place by the river (1902), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. Henri Le Sidaner was about 51 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.