Émile Friant (French, 1863–1932)
Portrait of a Young Boy, Standing with His Hands in His Pockets
Graphite on wove paper, 9 x 6 1/2 in.
Signed lower right: E Friant
Gift of DeCourcy E. McIntosh
2003.32

When Friant made his debut at the annual Salon in Nancy in 1878, the fifteen-year-old student’s gift was immediately apparent, and he was soon awarded a municipal scholarship for study in Paris. He entered the studio of the famous Alexandre Cabanel (1823–1889), but grew disenchanted with his teacher’s severe academic style and returned to Nancy. Friant’s inclination toward naturalism was encouraged by his friendship with other Lorraine artists such as Jules Bastien-Lepage (1848-1884) and Aimé Morot (1850–1913). Friant exhibited extensively and enjoyed a very successful career.