Flowers by Raoul and Paul de Longpré

The brothers Raoul and Paul de Longpré were born in Lyon, in France, to an aristocratic but poor family of artists. They were "fleuristes", that is they painted in the floral tradition that was closely tied to the textile design industry in the region. The brothers showed early talent and began making money by painting flowers on fans for a Parisian firm. Both Raoul and Paul became accomplished painters of floral still lifes. In 1890 Paul, the younger brother, immigrated to the United States, while Raoul seems to have remained in France throughout his life. Paul settled in Los Angeles, California, and became a major figure in floral painting in his new country. Some works of Raoul also found their way to private homes and museums in America, likely through the efforts of Paul.