Elie Lascaux's "Port-en-Bessin" -- from the collection of Yale curator Donald Gallup.

The light of Elie Lascaux shines in JE exhibit of his works

Gertrude Stein once described the paintings of French artist Elie Lascaux (1888-1968) by saying that in all his works there is "that white light which is the light that Elie Lascaux has inside him." Another of the artist's admirers, former Yale library curator Donald Gallup, wrote that this light "is at once the key to the charm which his work holds for his admirers and a hindrance to his gaining the appreciation of those who do not instinctively understand him." Visitors to Jonathan Edwards College (JE) will have a rare opportunity to see privately owned works by the artist when the exhibition "The Art of Elie Lascaux" opens on Thursday, Jan. 27, at the master's house, 70 High St. The exhibition features oils, gouaches and drawings by the artist that are drawn from the collection of Donald Gallup, the Elizabeth Wakeman Dwight Curator Emeritus of the Collection of American Literature at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library and long-time associate fellow of JE. "A Conversation with Donald Gallup on Lascaux and Collecting" will take place on Jan. 27 at 4 p.m., and will be followed by an opening reception 5-7 p.m. Both events, which are free and open to the public, will be held in the JE master's house. Although he was represented by one of the most famous art dealers of his day, Henry Kahnweiler, Lascaux never achieved the acclaim of many of his contemporaries. His work is characterized by its architectural detail and its blend of realism, cubism and impressionism, according to Leslie J. Urena, a 1999 alumnus of Yale College, whose essay "The Independent Lascaux" is included in the brochure for the Yale exhibit. In a catalogue for an exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of Lascaux's birth at the Galérie Louise/Leiris in Paris in 1988, Gallup wrote: "In the main, he was content to portray only scenes long familiar and well understood: the streets and buildings of Paris, especially Montmartre and the Ile de la Cité, Versailles, Limoges (where he was born) and the surrounding towns and countryside. In these pictures, there is a sureness, sensibility, and sincerity, born of deep knowledge and true affection, set down in his own inimitable, unique way." Lascaux moved from his village to Paris in 1905 when he 17 and took jobs as an actor and singer before he became an architect's draftsman. After being wounded in World War I, he was held prisoner by the Germans early in 1915. A German officer of the prison camp allowed Lascaux to spend his time painting, and Lascaux made a career out of art when he returned to Paris after the Armistice. In 1921, the artist Max Jacob brought Lascaux to the attention of Kahnweiler, who represented many Cubist artists. Lascaux's work was subsequently shown in the art dealer's gallery. This is the second time Lascaux's work is being shown at Yale. In 1951, Jonathan Edwards College hosted a larger exhibit of his work, also drawn from Gallup's collection. "The Art of Elie Lascaux" will be on view through March 26. The exhibit can be seen 4-6 p.m. on Thursdays and by appointment. For information, call (203) 432-0356. T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S Paul Rand Center to honor celebrated graphic designer U.S. embargo causing health crisis in Cuba, says physician University extends Homebuyer Program Exhibit features new works by Jasper Johns Dean announces plans to retire Yale's early preparation for Y2K resulted in smooth transition Memorial service is scheduled for C. Vann Woodward Paul Sigler, a pioneer in the field of structural biology, dies Paul Rand's widow donates artist's personal papers to Yale Peabody Museum's 'Martian Perspectives' exhibit offers 3-D views of the 'Red Planet' Yale Opera to perform romantic classic 'La bohème' British Art Center joining global celebration of legacy of artist and critic John Ruskin The light of Elie Lascaux shines in JE exhibit of his works Science Park firm to distribute byproducts of Yale research Religious values integral to politics, says Ralph Reed says Art by and about Asian women featured in gallery's display Center showcases 20th-century art Performance artist Karen Finley will present her newest work at the Rep Chinese artist's paintings capture 'The Allure of Tibet' Noted journalist to talk about government as Poynter Fellow Leading architects to teach and talk at Yale this spring Library exhibit features work of noted German woodcut artist, illustrator Memorial concert features award-winning duo Yale Scoreboard Lamb to lead Bulldogs field hockey team 'to the next level' Employees invited to basketball games Kennedy to discuss 'Global Century' series Victoria Nolan is honored for her guidance in the arts Daniel Rosner honored for research on aerosols . . . In the News . . . Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus| Calendar of Events|Bulletin Board Classified Ads|Search Archives|Production Schedule|Bulletin Staff Public Affairs Home|News Releases| E-Mail Us|Yale Home Page