Pierre Dubreuil

A native of Lille, Pierre Dubreuil (1872–1944) enjoyed a distinguished international career in the early 20th century, notably in London and Brussels, but also in the United States, where his works were exhibited. 

He is one of the artists known as the Pictorialists—that is, those who believe that photography is an art form in its own right, just like painting. Pierre Dubreuil does not want to show reality as we see it.

To achieve this, he makes extensive use of the blurring technique, as well as original compositions and innovative lighting effects. He is like a poet who sees the world differently. In his day, his photos were not always appreciated because his approach is truly very original.

Following his death in 1944, Pierre Dubreuil's work fell into obscurity because the vast majority of his photographs and archives were destroyed in a bombing raid during World War II.

In 2020, the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille received a donation consisting of about 100 photographs by the artist. The 150th anniversary of his birth, in 2022, will thus be marked by an exhibition dedicated to his work.