Alfred Smith

Alfred Smith (1854–1936), French, Alfred Smith, born André Alfred Smith de Sternburg on July 30, 1854, in Bordeaux, France, emerged as a notable post-impressionist painter whose works drew comparisons to those of Claude Monet. His early life was marked by hardship when, at the age of 15, he and his elder brother Emmanuel became the family's breadwinners after their father left for the United States. Despite working in a bank, Smith's passion for art led him to dedicate his free time to painting. His talent was first publicly recognized in 1877 at the Salon de la société des amis des arts de Bordeaux, where he exhibited his work annually until his death in 1936.
Smith's artistic journey flourished as he participated in the Salon de Paris in 1880, earning an honorable mention and studying under Léonce Chabry. His dedication to art saw him become a professor at the Bordeaux School of Fine Arts. The 1880s were pivotal for Smith; his painting 'Le Quai de Bacalan, le Soir' was exhibited at the Salon de Paris in 1883, and by 1886, his friendship with Alfred Roll helped elevate his career, allowing him to pursue painting full-time. Smith's works, such as 'Place de la Concorde Sous La Pluie (L'Averse)' in 1888, and his bronze medal at the 1900 Exposition Universelle, cemented his reputation in the French art scene. His legacy includes not only his contributions to post-impressionism but also his role as the executor of Alfred Roll's will, showcasing the depth of their friendship and mutual respect in the art world.