Charles Huard: New York

Charles Huard (1874-1965)

Medium: Original drawing with pen and pencil

Location: New York, 1905

Charles Huard, born in Paris in 1874, embarked on his illustrious career as an illustrator contributing to esteemed publications such as Le Rire, Cocorico, Le Courrier Français, and L’Assiette au Beurre. Renowned for his vibrant depictions of French society, Huard's sketches exude the essence of Parisian life in the nineteenth century, garnering widespread acclaim.

Educated at the prestigious Atelier Julian around 1900, Huard later achieved distinction as the illustrator of Honoré de Balzac's complete works in 1910. His service as the Official Painter of the Sixth Army of France during World War I (1914-1918) further solidified his artistic legacy.

Driven by a fervent passion for exploration, Huard meticulously documented his travels through illustrated books, characterized by an objective portrayal of his experiences devoid of personal bias. His journals, including "London as I Saw It," "Berlin as I Saw It," and "New York as I Saw It," offer invaluable insights into rapidly evolving urban landscapes, both through evocative sketches and vivid narrative.

The framed sketches by Charles Huard showcased in the Arader collection originate from his seminal work, "New York Comme Je l’ai Vu" [New York as I Saw It], circa 1905. Each piece is a unique representation, handcrafted by the artist during his encounters with the bustling metropolis. Complemented by his French-language travelogue, these artworks serve as invaluable historical records capturing the essence of early twentieth-century New York City.