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Photo History Museum FUJIFILM SQUARE
Jacques Henri Lartigue - the world's greatest amateur photographer

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The Photo History Museum at FUJIFILM SQUARE is pleased to announce the photo exhibition “Jacques Henri Lartigue - the world's greatest amateur photographer,” which runs from November 3, 2015 - February 1, 2016.

The first time that the photographic works of Jacques Henri Lartigue came to light was at a retrospective exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, in 1963, when Lartigue was already 69 years of age. However, the debut of this late bloomer caused a major stir around the world. Lartigue's exhibition was quickly followed by publications of his works, and along with another French amateur photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Lartigue carved his name in the annals of the history of photography.

Jacques Henri Lartigue was born in 1894 into an extremely wealthy family. For Lartigue, capturing memories from his happy childhood before they faded away forever was of utmost importance. Lartigue's father was very interested in photography, and bought his son his first pinhole camera with a tripod when Lartigue was only seven. Lartigue was thrilled was his “magic box,” and carried his new toy around with him capturing a variety of images. His photographs were for his own personal enjoyment and were one of his most valuable possessions. He captured images of automobiles and airplanes, which were still extremely rare at the time, and thanks to his privileged social circumstances, was able to take photos of women adorned in the latest styles and at the most fashionable places. These images now constitute a valuable archive of the culture, arts and industries of France's belle époque.

With the cooperation of the Jacques Henri Lartigue Donation, this exhibition is pleased to present 25 of Lartigue's photographic works taken from the very early years of the 1900s to the second decade of the 20th century that depict the brilliance and gaiety of France's belle époque.

Profile of Jacques Henri Lartigue

Jacques Henri Lartigue was born in Courbevoie, France, to a wealthy family on June 13, 1894. In 1902, his father, a keen photographer, bought Lartigue his first pinhole camera, and the first ever photo he took was of his mother and father. During this time, Lartigue began keeping a journal in which he attached his photos, and continued this practice throughout his life. In 1915, he attended the Julien Academy where he began studying painting, and in 1916 joined the French army until the conclusion of the First World War. In 1922, he exhibited his works in Paris and at various locations throughout France, and in 1954 founded the Gens d'Image Association. In 1963, a retrospective exhibition of Lartigue's works was held at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, causing a major stir in photographic circles. His works become even more widely known following the publication of his photo collection Family Album in 1966. In 1979, Lartigue donated his complete works to the French nation, and was awarded the legion d'honneur shortly before his death at the age of 92 on September 12, 1986.

In 2015, the Photo History Museum was formally approved by the Association for Corporate Support of the Arts for its “contributions to society through the promotion of arts and culture” and was permitted to use the official “This is MECENAT 2015” mark.

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