Louis Vauxcelles

Louis Vauxcelles
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Name	Louis Vauxcelles
Birth date	1870
Birth place	Paris, France
Death date	1943
Death place	Paris, France
Occupation	Art critic, journalist

Louis Vauxcelles was a renowned French art critic and journalist, best known for coining the term Cubism to describe the works of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. He was a prominent figure in the Parisian art scene, writing for various publications, including Gil Blas and L'Echo de Paris, and was acquainted with notable artists such as Henri Matisse, André Derain, and Maurice de Vlaminck. Vauxcelles' critiques and theories played a significant role in shaping the development of modern art, influencing the works of Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Francis Picabia. His writings also referenced the Salon d'Automne, Salon des Indépendants, and the Armory Show, which showcased the latest trends in modern art.

● Early Life and Education

Louis Vauxcelles was born in Paris, France in 1870, and grew up in a family of intellectuals, with his father being a journalist and his mother a writer. He was educated at the Lycée Condorcet and later studied law at the University of Paris, but his true passion lay in art and literature. Vauxcelles was heavily influenced by the works of Charles Baudelaire, Théodore Duret, and Joris-Karl Huysmans, and he began writing art critiques for various Parisian publications, including La Revue Blanche and La Plume. He was also familiar with the works of Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro, which were showcased at the Impressionist exhibitions.

● Career

Vauxcelles' career as an art critic spanned several decades, during which he wrote for numerous publications, including Le Figaro, L'Intransigeant, and Comœdia. He was known for his scathing critiques, which often targeted the works of Académie des Beaux-Arts and the Salon system. Vauxcelles was a strong supporter of the Avant-garde movement, and his writings played a significant role in promoting the works of Fauvist artists such as Henri Matisse and André Derain. He was also acquainted with the Dadaist movement, which included artists such as Marcel Duchamp, Hannah Höch, and Kurt Schwitters. Vauxcelles' critiques referenced the Bauhaus school, Constructivism, and Surrealism, which were influential art movements of the time.

● Art Criticism and Theory

Vauxcelles' art criticism and theory were heavily influenced by the works of Charles Baudelaire and Théodore Duret, who were prominent art critics of the 19th century. He believed that art should be a reflection of modern life, and that artists should experiment with new forms and techniques. Vauxcelles was a strong supporter of the Cubist movement, and his writings played a significant role in promoting the works of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. He also wrote about the Futurist movement, which included artists such as Umberto Boccioni, Giacomo Balla, and Carlo Carrà. Vauxcelles' theories referenced the Gesamtkunstwerk concept, which was popularized by Richard Wagner and Walter Gropius.

● Notable Works and Legacy

Vauxcelles' notable works include his critiques of the Salon d'Automne and the Salon des Indépendants, which were published in various Parisian publications. He also wrote about the Armory Show, which was a groundbreaking exhibition that introduced European modern art to the United States. Vauxcelles' legacy as an art critic and theorist is still celebrated today, with his writings influencing the development of modern art. His critiques referenced the works of Kazimir Malevich, Wassily Kandinsky, and Francis Picabia, who were prominent artists of the 20th century. Vauxcelles' legacy also extends to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, which was founded by Alfred H. Barr Jr. and Lillie P. Bliss.

● Personal Life and Later Years

Vauxcelles' personal life was marked by his relationships with various artists and writers, including Guillaume Apollinaire, Max Jacob, and André Salmon. He was known for his wit and humor, and his salons were frequented by many prominent figures of the Parisian art scene. Vauxcelles continued to write and critique art until his death in 1943, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential art critics of the 20th century. His writings referenced the School of Paris, Abstract art, and Pop art, which were influential art movements of the time. Vauxcelles' personal life and later years were also marked by his interest in the works of Pierre Bonnard, Édouard Vuillard, and Maurice Denis, who were prominent artists of the Nabi movement.