Jean Baptiste Discart was a renowned Italian painter, typically associated with exquisite depictions of the vibrant streets of Tangiers.

Born in Modena, Italy, Discart’s father, Francesco Ferdinando, moved in particularly distinguished circles and worked for the Duke of Modena. Indeed, the Duke became young Jean’s godfather, so the pair were well-connected. One can only imagine the ostentatious interiors that he witnessed during childhood, and it’s conceivable that these experiences inspired his appreciation for the finer things in life.

At 14, he was enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, where he trained under the German painter, Anselm Feuerbach (1829-1880). It seems that he stayed here until Feuerbach’s retirement in 1877 when the course was handed over to Leopold Carl Müller (1834-1892). His short time under Müller, known for his exquisite ‘orientalist’ work, would be transformative. 

From here, he left Vienna to immerse himself in the cosmopolitan environs of the French Capital and exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1884. At that point in time, Paris was an exciting place for an emerging artist. In 1884, the Société des Artistes Indépendants held their first show, which included works by Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Vincent van Gogh, and Georges Seurat.

However, rather than adopt the tastes of the modernists, Discart continued to refine his draughtsmanship and began to specialise in North African street scenes, imbued with vivacity, spirit, and detail. He’s known to have undertaken sketching trips to the Moroccan City of Tangiers.

Jean-Baptiste Discart, The Cobbler, Tangiers

His remarkable talent for capturing every minutiae helped to establish him as one of the more important ‘orientalist’ painters of the early 20th century.

In 1895, presumably in pursuit of patrons, he began a series of visits to the Netherlands, followed by Belgium, where he produced numerous portraits. Gaining a fair degree of critical acclaim, this culminated in a commission for King Albert I, following his ascension. Portraits appear to have been the mainstay of his output during his later years.

He died in Paris in 1940, a bustling city, which remained close to his heart.

Timeline

1855

Born in Modena, Italy, to Francesco Ferdinando Discart, a chef for the Ducal Palace, and Emilia Discart (nee Goldoni).

Attended school in Modena.

1869-1880

Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna under the German classicist, Anselm Feuerbach (1829-1880), among others.

1880

Trained under the orientalist painter, Leopold Carl Müller (1834-1892).

1881

Returned to Paris 

1895

Began to visit the Netherlands for extended periods of time where he painted numerous portraits.

1906

Travelled to Brussels where he lived periodically until 1911.

1909

Commissioned to paint a portrait of King Albert I of Belgium, following his ascension.

1911-1922

Lived in The Hague.

1922

Moved to Dresden.

1940

Died in Paris.