Guillaume Lethière, a celebrated artist during France’s tumultuous history, had a remarkable life of navigating power shifts and his mixed-race background. Born into slavery in Guadeloupe, he rose to prominence under Napoleon’s reign, supporting abolition and painting influential figures. Lethière’s neoclassical style eventually fell out of favor, leading him to focus on the Caribbean, creating audacious paintings of the fight for freedom. The exhibition at the Clark Art Institute delves into Lethière’s complex life, immersing visitors in political upheaval and showcasing his profound impact on art history. This extraordinary show sheds light on the legacy of a truly remarkable artist.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/art/2024/07/12/guillaume-lethiere-exhibition-life/