Une Consultation de Sigmund Freud

Hubert-Denis Etcheverry, born on September 21, 1867, in Bayonne, embarked on a journey that would establish him as a prominent figure in the world of art. His artistic roots trace back to the Bayonne municipal school of drawing, where he first honed his skills under the guidance of acclaimed masters like Achille Zo. However, it was his admission to the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris that truly shaped his artistic trajectory.

Under the tutelage of esteemed mentors such as Léon Bonnat and Albert Maignan, Etcheverry’s talent flourished. His mastery of the female form, evident in his elegant compositions portraying women in graceful repose, garnered widespread admiration. His oeuvre, characterized by its sophistication and depth, captured the essence of human emotion with remarkable precision.

In 1891, Etcheverry’s artistic prowess earned him notable recognition, as he clinched the second prize in the Rome Prize competition with his remarkable work titled “Jupiter et Mercure reçus par Philémon et Baucis.” This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his place among the most distinguished artists of his time.

Throughout his life, Etcheverry’s artworks served as a poignant commentary on the human condition. One of his notable exhibitions took place in 1913 at the Salon des Artistes Français, where his piece “Sous le masque” captivated audiences and later gained popularity through its reproduction as a postcard. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Etcheverry also expressed his sentiments on war through poetry, particularly reflecting on the sacrifices made during significant events like the Normandy landings in 1944.

Etcheverry’s artistic legacy continues to endure, with his works showcased in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Musée Carnavalet in Paris and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. His timeless creations continue to captivate audiences, inviting them to contemplate the intricacies of human experience and the beauty of the world through his unique artistic lens. Hubert-Denis Etcheverry’s contributions to the art world remain a testament to his enduring talent and profound insight into the human spirit.

Notes: This captivating oil painting by French artist Hubert-Denis Etcheverry delves into the intriguing realm of psychoanalysis during the turn of the century. With meticulous detail, Etcheverry portrays a poignant scene where a physician, presumed to be Sigmund Freud, tenderly examines a young woman amidst a state of mental exhaustion. It’s a testament to Freud’s pioneering studies with neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot in Paris, which laid the foundation for modern psychology.

Born in Bayonne, Etcheverry studied at the local art school under Jean-Baptiste Achille Zo, who specialised in the portrayal of women as particularly exotic and graceful. He later enrolled in the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris where he entered the studio of Léon Bonnat and went on to win a Prix du Rome in 1891. His mastery of the female form made his compositions immensely desirable, often depicting women in repose dressed in elegant, flowing gowns. This particular work is one of the few to seemingly offer the viewer a poignant commentary on the fragility of the human condition.Works by his hand are in the Musée Carnavalet in Paris, in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. and in many others.