Francois-Alfred Delobbe (1835 - 1920)

Francois-Alfred Delobbe

François-Alfred Delobbe was a French naturalist painter.

At the age of 16 he entered the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris, first painting mythological, orientalist and genre scenes in an academic style. He then continued his studies in the studio of William-Adolphe Bouguereau, who encouraged him to concentrate on mythological scenes and portrait painting. In 1861, Delobbe made his debut at the Salon des Artistes Français with a portrait of his mother, which received a favorable critical response in the Parisian press. Throughout the 1860s, Delobbe enjoyed continued success at the annual Salon.

In these same years, the government commissioned him to paint frescoes for the town hall in the new 15th arrondissement of Paris. The importance of this large-scale project for the career of Delobbe can not be overestimated, it was with him that the artist began the rise of his career.

In the mature period of creativity, Delobbe's favorite theme became children and young women at work: they embroider lace or sift grain, evoking associations with the artist's favorite Brittany. Delobbe's Breton paintings were highly prized in the Paris salons for many years.