Louis Anselme Longa

Louis-Anselme Longa (4 April 1809 – 13 December 1869) was a French genre artist in the Academic style. He also created numerous church paintings, but is best known for his Orientalist works.

Biography He studied design in Paris with Paul Delaroche, and had his first exhibit at the Salon of 1835. Originally, he appears to have been attracted to the troubador style.

In 1841, he was hired by the "Commission d'exploration scientifique d'Algérie" and employed as a painter and draftsman's assistant to accompany an expedition. with text by Alphonse Castaing (1822-1888).

He returned permanently to Mont-de-Marsan in 1848 and opened a studio. Much of his time was spent creating promotions and decorations for local events or visiting celebrities. In 1866, he was named a Professor of design at the newly opened "Lycée Impérial de Mont-de-Marsan" (later renamed in honor of Victor Duruy) and remained there until his death.

In addition to his work in Algeria, he painted numerous portraits and created decorations in several churches; most notably those in his hometown, Geloux, Tartas, Maillères and Uchacq-et-Parentis. Very often, however, attribution of specific details is difficult and some works may have been done in conjunction with his brother Louis-François, a goldsmith and amateur painter.

Selected paintings