Jared French
Is it possible for a painter to remain both celebrated and enigmatic, their life shrouded in mystery even as their art captivates? Jared French, a master of egg tempera and a key figure in the American Magic Realism movement, stands as a compelling answer to that very question, leaving a legacy as complex and intriguing as the dreamlike worlds he created.
French, born in Ossining, New York, in 1905, cultivated a distinct aesthetic, marked by meticulous technique and a profound engagement with the human form. His work, often characterized by a haunting stillness and a dreamlike quality, drew upon a wide range of influences, from classical antiquity to the surrealist movement. He moved to New York City after graduating from Amherst College in 1925, where he forged lasting relationships with fellow artists, most notably Paul Cadmus and George Tooker. This circle of friends and colleagues, including Margaret French, often collaborated, particularly in the realm of photography, using the camera's eye to explore themes of identity and intimacy, mainly on the beaches of Fire Island and Provincetown. Their explorations, spanning two decades, captured their subjects in a manner that was both intimate and revealing. French, Cadmus, and others were part of a group sometimes referred to as magic realists. French's oeuvre, however, extended beyond the canvas; it became a mirror reflecting the artist's own introspective journey and the complex interplay of the human condition.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jared French |
| Born | 1905, Ossining, New York, United States |
| Died | 1987, Rome, Italy |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Amherst College (1925), Art Students League of New York |
| Known For | Magic Realist paintings in egg tempera; figural works with dreamlike settings |
| Notable Works | "The Double," "Evasion," "Woman (1947)" |
| Artistic Style | Magic Realism, Surrealism influences |
| Relationships | Lifelong friendship and occasional romantic involvement with Paul Cadmus; Collaboration with Margaret French (wife and artist) |
| Exhibitions | Banfer Gallery, New York, NY (25 years of paintings and drawings from 1944 to 1969); 20 new works, Banfer Gallery, New York, NY |
| Legacy | Significant contributions to American art; continued resonance with art enthusiasts and historians |
| Reference Website | Artnet: Jared French |
French's artistic journey took him through various phases, yet a consistent thread of introspection and formal mastery ran through his work. "Jared French's life is nearly as obscure as his paintings," a statement reflecting the enigmatic nature of the artist. This obscurity, however, only adds to the allure of his art, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the symbolic landscapes and figures that populate his canvases.
His early work, characterized by precise renderings and a subtle palette, reflects a deep understanding of classical techniques. He was particularly adept at egg tempera, a medium favored by the old masters, which allowed him to achieve a luminosity and detail that perfectly complemented his dreamlike visions. "State Park," though inspired by Fire Island, a beach community off Long Island's south shore, is not simply a painting of a location; it is an exploration of the uncanny, a scene that feels both familiar and strangely otherworldly. The figures, often in poses reminiscent of classical sculpture or Renaissance painting, evoke a sense of timelessness, hinting at the enduring power of human emotion and the unconscious. His paintings are evocative of surrealism's unreal settings. The figures are also refer to greek, egyptian, and renaissance art. The tanned lifeguard in "State Park" exemplifies this blending of art historical references with modern subject matter.
His work, the "Woman (1947)," in which a female figure appears to rise magically from the sea, a symbol of the unconscious, in the background. This piece, and others like it, delves into the realm of the anima, exploring themes of self-discovery and the mysteries of the human psyche.
French's relationship with Paul Cadmus was also central to his life and work. They met while studying at the Art Students League in New York and would develop a deep interest in life drawing and the idealized human figure as an expressive form. Their artistic collaboration extended beyond the canvas, with Cadmus painting a portrait of French while they were traveling in Europe. At the time the two were involved in a relationship; they would remain lifelong friends, and occasional lovers, even after French married in 1937. The portrait by Italian American painter Luigi Lucioni provides insight into this connection, showing French, himself also an artist, who served as the model for the acrobat in Paul Cadmuss Gilding the Acrobats. The bond between French and Cadmus, both personal and professional, shaped the trajectory of their artistic endeavors.
French's contributions to magic realism were particularly significant. He, along with Tooker and Cadmus, was known for the meticulous and dreamlike qualities that defined the movement. His paintings gained recognition for their meticulously crafted surfaces and the often unsettling atmospheres they created. He was well regarded during the 1940s and 50s as one of the most accomplished and fascinating magic realist painters. A still understudied group of artists, the magic realists revived painstaking old master techniques to make convincing their enigmatic images that address a wide range of personal and social concerns. These artists sought to make convincing their enigmatic images that address a wide range of personal and social concerns.
The "Pajama" collective, which included French and Cadmus, found a kindred spirit in writer Donald Windham, who befriended them while working at Lincoln Kirstein's Dance Index magazine. Windham lived in the Cadmus/French studios during their time on Fire Island, a testament to the strong bonds formed within this artistic circle.
In the 1960s, French's artistic direction shifted, leading him to explore dismembered human and animal forms, combining them into unsettling combinations of abstracted form. This marked a departure from his earlier, more figurative work, yet it remained rooted in his fascination with the human condition and the exploration of complex, often disturbing, themes. These works, though different in approach, still reflected his unique vision.
The legacy of Jared French extends beyond his individual artworks. He represents a crucial chapter in American art history, a period when artists were actively engaging with the human form, exploring the intersections of reality and the imagination. His work resonates with a timeless quality, a testament to his mastery of technique and his ability to evoke profound emotions. His meticulous and dreamlike paintings, including notable works such as "The Double" and "Evasion," continue to captivate and challenge viewers.
French's art continues to be available for sale, allowing art enthusiasts to discover and purchase his works, including paintings, prints, and sculptures. Viewers can explore his extensive body of work through platforms like Artnet, where they can find information on his artworks and the history of art. His profile on LinkedIn further allows those interested to connect to learn more.
Ultimately, Jared French's impact lies not only in his artistic accomplishments, but also in the questions he raises about the nature of art, identity, and the human experience. He remains a figure of enduring interest, and it is through his art that we can continue to explore the depths of his vision and the mysteries that he so eloquently portrayed.
