Louis Lemaire

Louis Lemaire (April 18, 1824 – March 16, 1910) was a French painter, engraver, and wallpaper designer.

Early life Louis Marie Lemaire was born on April 18, 1824, in Paris, France.

Career Lemaire made his debut at the Salon of 1849, the exhibition run by the Académie des Beaux-Arts.

Following his training in drawing and painting, Lemaire worked in a wallpaper factory and produced highly successful floral designs. He designed a wallpaper that was produced by Zuber & Cie, based in Rixheim, in 1856. In 1861, he redirected his career toward landscape painting, leaving his previous occupation behind. Lemaire was introduced to the Oise Valley through Auguste Boulard, who resided in Champagne-sur-Oise during the summer.

By the 1880s, Pauline Caspers of Paris became one of his distinguished pupils.

For many years, his work, particularly landscapes and floral still lifes, appeared at the Paris Salon. In 1883, he earned an honorary mention at the Salon of French Artists (Salon des artistes français). His painting Peony Bed (Massif de pivoines) earned a third-class medal at the 1884 Paris Salon. At the time, he resided in Paris at 1 rue Saint-Claude. He also exhibited work at the 1889 Paris Exposition. He was awarded a second-class medal at the 1899 Salon of French Artists for his painting Peonies and Creeping Roses (Pivoines et Rosier Grimpant). He continued exhibiting at French salons until 1909.

Legacy Some of his works are held in French museums, including in Compiègne and Rouen. The French town of Parmain preserves his legacy through the display of a restored floral pastel in the town hall's main staircase, originally donated by his wife.

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