Henri Laurens was born on February 18, 1885, in France. He grew up surrounded by art, as his parents raised him in the vibrant city of Paris. It was here that he first developed his passion for sculpting, which would shape his future career.
Before making a name for himself as a sculptor, Laurens worked as a stonemason. This experience helped him develop a strong foundation in working with stone and understanding its properties, both of which would prove invaluable in his later artistic pursuits.
Laurens was known for his pioneering work in the Cubist style. This style, characterized by geometric shapes and fragmented forms, allowed him to explore new ways of representing the human figure and the world around him. One of his biggest influences was Pablo Picasso, whose innovative approach to art inspired Laurens to push boundaries and experiment with form and structure.
Despite his artistic success, Laurens faced hardships in his personal life. During World War I, he was exempt from military service after having his leg amputated due to tuberculosis. This challenging experience only fueled his determination to continue creating art and exploring new artistic possibilities.
Henri Laurens left behind a significant legacy in the world of sculpture. His innovative work in the Cubist style revolutionized the art world and continues to inspire artists to this day. By daring to push boundaries and experiment with form, Laurens paved the way for future generations of sculptors to explore new artistic possibilities and challenge traditional conventions.
Henri Laurens passed away on May 5, 1954, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to captivate and inspire art lovers around the world.