Jacques-Henri Lartigue Quotes

Powerful Jacques-Henri Lartigue for Daily Growth

About Jacques-Henri Lartigue

Jacques-Henri Lartigue (September 19, 1894 – October 27, 1963) was a French artist, photographer, painter, and filmmaker who left an indelible mark on the art world with his innovative and groundbreaking work. Born into an affluent family in Courbevoie, France, Lartigue developed an early interest in photography at the age of fifteen when he received a Kodak Brownie camera as a gift. This marked the beginning of a lifelong passion that would lead him to become one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Lartigue's work was heavily influenced by his family and social circle, which included many prominent figures in art, literature, and sports. His photographs capture the spirit of the Belle Époque and the Roaring Twenties with vivid clarity, offering a unique perspective on the fashion, culture, and personalities of the era. Some of his most famous works include "La Famille Lartigue" (1912), "The Little Girl in Blue" (1904), and "At the Races" (1911). In addition to photography, Lartigue was also a painter, creating numerous oil paintings throughout his life. He experimented with Impressionism, Cubism, and Fauvism, reflecting the artistic trends of his time. His filmmaking career began in 1927 when he made "L'Aventure Humaine," a silent documentary featuring his family and friends. Despite his prolific output, Lartigue remained largely unknown during his lifetime. It was not until the late 1960s, after his death, that his work gained widespread recognition. Today, Jacques-Henri Lartigue is celebrated as a pioneer of modern photography and an influential figure in the history of art. His legacy continues to inspire artists and photographers around the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a sum of all your choices."

This quote emphasizes that the course of one's life is shaped by the decisions and choices made throughout its journey. It suggests that every action, big or small, contributes to shaping our lives, experiences, and ultimately, who we become as individuals. By implication, it encourages us to make conscious, mindful choices in order to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.


"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything."

This quote by Jacques-Henri Lartigue emphasizes the emotional and intimate connection between the photographer and their subject, as well as the enduring nature of photography. He suggests that through the act of taking a photograph, one is not just capturing an image, but also preserving feelings, moments, and experiences that may otherwise be forgotten over time. In essence, photography serves as a means to both remember and cherish the past, making it an essential tool for personal history and connection.


"I love taking photographs because I can record not only the thing I see before me but the emotions it incites in me."

This quote emphasizes the duality of photography as both a documentation tool capturing external realities, and an artistic expression reflecting internal feelings. Lartigue suggests that photographs are not just static images, but time capsules preserving moments, emotions, and personal experiences that might otherwise fade over time. In essence, he expresses the profound power of photography to connect personal perceptions with objective reality, creating a unique visual narrative.


"Photography is a form of self-expression, and for this reason it is a very personal means of communication."

This quote by Jacques-Henri Lartigue suggests that photography is not just about capturing moments or objects, but it's deeply rooted in the photographer's individuality and emotions. It signifies that every photograph is an expression of the photographer's unique perspective, feelings, and creative vision. Therefore, photographs can serve as a highly personal and intimate form of communication between the photographer and their audience.


"The camera makes you forget you're there. It's not like a film, it's not like a painting. So you forget, but the lens remembers."

This quote by Jacques-Henri Lartigue highlights the unique nature of photography as an artistic medium. He suggests that while photographers themselves may be momentarily lost in their subject or surroundings, the camera lens acts as a memory, capturing details that might otherwise go unnoticed or forgotten. Thus, photography allows us to preserve and revisit moments in time as if we were still there, offering a glimpse into the past that feels immediate and vivid.


Photography to me is catching a moment which is passing, and which is true.

- Jacques-Henri Lartigue

Me, Catching, Which, Photography

It's marvellous, marvellous! Nothing will ever be as much fun. I'm going to photograph everything, everything!

- Jacques-Henri Lartigue

Will, Photograph, Ever, Marvellous

I take photographs with love, so I try to make them art objects. But I make them for myself first and foremost - that is important.

- Jacques-Henri Lartigue

Love, Art, Objects, Photographs

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