Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Louisiana paintings by German-born Franz “François” Fleischbein (1801-1868)


Franz “François” Fleischbein (German-born, American pairnter 1801-1868) Betsy 1837 New Orleans


François Fleischbein (1804–1868) was a German painter who lived and worked in New Orleans.  Better known as François in the U.S., Franz was born in Godramstein, Bavaria. Although often confused with a naïve artist, he was academically trained, having studied with Anne-Louis Girodet de Roussy-Trioson (1767-1824) at the École des beaux-arts in Paris. In 1833, Fleischbein immigrated to New Orleans with his wife, Marie Louise Tetu (1802-1895), and four children. He remained in Louisiana until his death. Jean Joseph Vaudechamp (1790 - 1866) first encouraged Fleischbein to visit.  Although born Franz Joseph, Fleischbein decided to change his name to François in order to fit with his Creole clients of Gallic descent.

Fleischbein style fused French neoclassicism with German Biedermeier emphasis on pattern. As result, his paintings appear mannered, with schematic drawing, suppressed transitions of light and shade, and odd anatomical distortions. Patrons appreciated his paintings, and Fleischbein advertized that the "greatest correctness of drawing and painting is guaranteed, as well as the likeness of Portraits."  His paintings show a French academic style as well as a sweetness and charm common to 19th Century German painting. With the invention of the daguerreotype in 1839, Fleischbein also worked as an early photographer, an enterprise in which his wife took part.


Franz “François” Fleischbein (German-born, American pairnter 1801-1868) Children of Comte Amedee de Barjac 1839


Franz “François” Fleischbein (German-born, American pairnter 1801-1868) Free Woman of Color


Franz “François” Fleischbein (German-born, American pairnter 1801-1868) Portrait of Marie Louis Tetu 1833-36


Franz “François” Fleischbein (German-born, American pairnter 1801-1868) William B. Schmidt


Franz “François” Fleischbein (German-born, American pairnter 1801-1868) Rosalie Jonas


Franz “François” Fleischbein (German-born, American pairnter 1801-1868) William Schmidt, son of Peter Schmidt