Raoul de Longpré Purple & White Lilac Flowers

Raoul Maucherat De Longpré (1843-1911) was born in France to an aristocratic but poor family of artists. They (father and sons) painted in the floral tradition that was closely tied to the textile design industry of Lyons. De Longpré showed early talent and at the age of twelve, began helping his father paint flowers on fans for their Parisian business. He had a passion for painting unblemished flowers, especially roses. They were French painters of the floral tradition. Their subject matter was derived from the Victorian "language of flowers," a coded means of communication popular in that era. In 1864, at the age of 21, Paul (Raoul's younger brother), exhibited his work at a Paris Salon. Also, in 1877 and later in 1890. He was well known in Paris before immigrating to New York City in 1890. After a successful exhibition in 1896 he gained international reputation and financial freedom. He and his family moved to Los Angeles in 1898 and built a beautiful Moorish/Mission style mansion which became a tourist attraction. His three acre garden held 4,000 rose bushes from which he derived much of his subject matter. He has a street named after him as well as a park. Here, Paul, became well known for his beautiful flower paintings (from his garden) as well as his magnificent flower gardens in Hollywood. The eldest brother, Raoul De Longpré, seems to have remained in France throughout his life. Enjoy.