Henri-Edmond Cross

Henri-Edmond Cross (1856–1910), French, Henri-Edmond Cross, born Henri Edmond Joseph Delacroix, was a French painter and lithographer, renowned for his contributions to the Pointillist movement and his close ties to anarchist circles. Born on May 20, 1856, in Douai, where his family owned a hardware store, Cross's artistic talent was recognized early by a cousin who became his mentor. He honed his skills in Lille under the tutelage of Carolus-Duran and Alphonse Colas. Making his debut at the Salon in 1881, he adopted the pseudonym 'Cross' to distinguish himself from the famed Eugène Delacroix, a suggestion from his friend, painter François Bonvin.
Initially drawn to naturalism, Cross's artistic path took a decisive turn as he befriended Neo-Impressionist painters, sharing their anarchist beliefs. His personal life saw him marry Irma Clare in 1893, a British beauty he had previously portrayed in 1891. Cross's collaboration with Jean Grave's 'Les Temps nouveaux' showcased his commitment to anarchist causes through donated artworks. His adoption of divisionism in 1891, alongside Paul Signac, marked a significant evolution in his style, influenced by the Mediterranean light after moving permanently to Saint-Clair in the Var. Cross's legacy is intertwined with his innovative use of color and light, leaving an indelible mark on the Neo-Impressionist movement.