Charles Aubry (French, 1811–1877)

b. 1811 — d. 1877

Charles Aubry French, 1811-1877 A Parisian trained as an industrial designer, Charles Aubry was among those early advocates of photography who recognized its potential as an aid to art and design. Noting the inadequacy of the didactic tools used by academies and schools, Aubry wrote in the introduction to his Studies of Leaves (1864), which he presented to the Prince Impérial, ". . . in order to facilitate the study of nature, I caught it in the act, and I hereby offer to workers some models that may increase our productivity in the industrial arts . . . ." But he added significantly that he hoped his was a "revitalizing work," noting that apprentices should consider not only their future work, but also "that which develops the soul and the best sentiments, that is, beauty and truth." While Aubry's works owe their origin to their practical intent, they are clearly imbued with a beauty and personality that reflects the artist's distinctive subjects and style. Today they are valued, not as study aids, but as works of art entirely on their own merits, on a par with those of predecessor Adolphe Braun. T.W.F.