Edmond Aman-Jean

1858-1936

Edmond Aman-Jean established himself as a central figure in French Symbolism through his distinctive portraits, particularly of women rendered in soft, mysterious light. Born near Paris in 1858, he trained under Henri Lehmann alongside Georges Seurat, with whom he shared a studio and remained lifelong friends. After studying the Old Masters in Italy and working as an assistant to Puvis de Chavannes, Aman-Jean devoted himself to Symbolist painting, exhibiting at the Salon de la Rose + Croix and drawing inspiration from Pre-Raphaelite artists. He became known for his decorative works as well as his intimate portraiture, executing murals for the Sorbonne and other official buildings. A gifted lithographer and printmaker, he taught several important artists and co-founded the Salon des Tuileries in 1923. He maintained deep connections to Japan, advising collectors and depicting subjects tied to Japanese patrons.