**Renée, Juan-Les-Pins, France, May 1930** by Jacques Henri Lartigue. © Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication, MPP/AAJHL / Elliott Gallery Amsterdam.

Written by Stella Paes

Ode to Elegance: Jacques Henri Lartigue’s Captivating Exhibition at the Elliott Gallery

From May 18th, 2024, to July 27th, 2024, the prestigious Elliott Gallery in Amsterdam is hosting a unique event, 'Ode to Elegance,' a captivating exhibition showcasing the works of the renowned French photographer Jacques Henri Lartigue. This exclusive exhibition offers a rare opportunity to delve deep into Lartigue’s fascination with capturing fleeting moments of elegance and joy, a recurring theme throughout his career. Known for his ability to capture the carefree and stylish essence of life, Lartigue’s photographs possess a timeless charm that continues to enchant audiences.

The photographic techniques used by Lartigue are spontaneous and bright, often characterized by movement and the presence of light. The use of natural light and the ability to catch the famous "blur" of movement give the impression that they are very lively, spontaneous shots, greatly enhancing the images' dynamic quality. This is one of the magnificent highlights of Lartigue's work—that capacity for making a photo look spontaneous, complete of immediacy, to let one feel that he was right there when the photo was taken.

**At the Auteuil Races, Paris, March, 1911** by Jacques Henri Lartigue. © Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication, MPP/AAJHL / Elliott Gallery Amsterdam.

"At the Auteuil Races, Paris, March, 1911" by Lartigue perfectly represents his genius. The photograph perfectly represents Lartigue's ability to document the elegance and atmosphere of the time, showing his ability to capture spontaneous moments with a sense of immediacy and life. The lighting in this photograph by Lartigue is outstanding. The natural light is uniformly bathed in the scene, allowing the textures and patterns of the women's clothing to be visible. The light and its contrast with the shadows represent the real sense of depth in an image, highlighting the elegance and sophistication of the subjects. The light falls sharply and accentuates the delicate lace and all the complex fabric adjustments, as well as the feathers and hat trimmings, giving a complete impression of the scene.

Another significant work is "Arlette Boucard et Véra, Cannes, 1927." a photograph of two women in a very relaxed manner catches the viewer's eye, the natural light creating an atmosphere of serenity, and the soft shadows adding depth to the composition. The angle of view adopted by Lartigue in this photo is unprecedented; it could be said that his photos sound brilliantly contemporary. Not only does this angle allow the viewer to understand the intimacy and comfort of the scene, but the picture works in balance, with the women and the dog placed in a kind of triangular formation, making the viewer's gaze travel across the whole picture.

**Renée Perle, Paris, France, January, 1931** by Jacques Henri Lartigue. © Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication, MPP/AAJHL / Elliott Gallery Amsterdam.

"Renée Perle, Paris, France, January, 1931", by Jacques-Henri Lartigue, is a very evocative portrait of the quiet elegance and reflective beauty of one of his muses and romantic partners, Renée Perle. The photograph shows Perle reclining on a patterned sofa. Here, her relaxed yet composed pose is accentuated with rich textures of surrounding fabrics to add profundity and a sense of overwhelming luxury to the scene. The soft, warm light tenderly emphasizes the lady's delicate features, making her look flattering, focusing on her glowing skin and reflective expression. This intimate and reflective atmosphere, aided by Lartigue's meticulous composition, demonstrates his great mastery of portraiture. Her presence in his work was tremendous. Perle was the endless source of inspiration during their relationship in the early 1930s, influencing his shift towards capturing more private, candid, and naturalistic moments. In many of his photographs, her style and elegance shine through; she is, therefore, a central character in his art and part of what gives his work its timeless quality.

**Florette, Lac d'Annecy, 1943** by Jacques Henri Lartigue. © Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication, MPP/AAJHL / Elliott Gallery Amsterdam.

Following the exhibition, the viewer finds the photography of "Florette, Lac d'Annecy, 1943" by Jacques-Henri Lartigue—tranquil, introspective—such are the gentle moments featuring Florette, his wife and frequent muse. Florette is seated in a boat on the calm waters of Lac d'Annecy; the picture shows her in a very striking composition with the boat's angle across diagonally in the frame, thereby doing something that infuses motion into this otherwise very still calm picture. The clarity of the water is a mirror-like surface that underscores the tranquility and stillness of the moment. Florette was an influential person in Lartigue's life and work. As his muse, he photographed her many times; she expressively modeled that carefree elegance and joie de vivre, which his style exemplified.

Jacques Henri Lartigue's 'Ode to Elegance' at the Elliott Gallery is a celebration of his unique ability to capture moments of beauty, elegance, and spontaneity. These photographs, with their masterful use of light, composition, and perspective a window into a bygone era, now full of grace and charm. , but also inspire a new wayf attests the world. Lartigue's work transcends the understanding of how deep a connection he maintains with his subjects by capturing fleeting moments of joy and elegance that fruitfully define his work. This exhibition is a real treat for photography enthusiasts and lovers of fine art, as it reveals the world's view through Lartigue's lens, inspiring a new appreciation for the beauty in everyday life.