A little historyeuros
If the status of naval painter was made official in 1830 with the nomination of Louis-Philippe Crépin and Théodore Gudin as "Peintres de la Marine" in the "Annuaire de la Marine", its existence goes back to the 14th century. But it was not until the 17th century that Richelieu created the corps of naval painters, who worked to safeguard the great naval battles.
In 1920, the title of "Painter of the Department of the Navy" was officially granted to the Painters of the Navy. In 1924, it was decided to modify the status: the title was granted for a renewable period of 5 years, and limited to 40 artists who had particularly devoted themselves to the study of seafarers and the Navy. In 1941, the period was reduced to 3 years renewable and the number of titles was reduced to 20, which is still in force today. An annual exhibition was also instituted.
In 1942, it was decided that painters who had reached the age of 60 and had held the title for 12 consecutive years would be appointed to the honorary title. Before being modified again in 1953, the honorary title being replaced by a title of holder. Today, it is a decree of April 2, 1981 which defines the conditions of attribution of the title of painter of the armies.
The talents of the marine painter
"Being an official painter of the Navy is a status that sums up belonging to a corps, in the sense of the military. We are military but we don't wear the rank. We are there to bear witness to the operations of the Navy, to French maritimacy." summarizes Ewan Lebourdais.
The Official Navy Painter (POM), previously reserved for euro painters as its name indicates, opened up in the early 1980s to other artistic practices. Thus, we find in its ranks photographers, sculptors, engravers or illustrators.
"There have been many famous Official Navy Painters such as Marin-Marie, a writer and naval painter based on the island of Chausey or Mathurin Méheut, appointed as a naval painter in 1921 known for his drawings of marine fauna and flora. In the more contemporary, we can mention Dirk Verdoorn, Official Painter of the Navy, devoting most of his work to the merchant marine, titular since 2018 whose paintings are extraordinary, or Jacques Perrin, who made the work Ocean or played in the Crab-Drum" explains the photographer.
Among the famous photographers, also holder of the prestigious title, we find Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Philip Plisson was also included before being dismissed.
An honorary title
"To be an Official Painter of the Navy is a very prestigious and ancient title that has adapted to the evolution of artistic practices. It is the Holy Grail for many artists. It brings together a lineage of talented people who are part of the maritime artistic history. In my class, there were also two painters but also a cartoonist, Emmanuel Lepage, first nominated in his category. We bear witness to and promote the maritime prestige of France. I was first a sea photographer before becoming an official Painter of the Navy. With this title, you officially enter the family of the French Navy. It creates a feeling of belonging, even though I have a good experience of the sea and navigation in general. I used to scuba dive, and now I practice foil, windsurfing, SUP, I sail on all types of boats" develops Ewan Lebourdais.
And it is only an honorary recognition since no remuneration is granted to the Official Painter of the Navy. Nevertheless, the latter obtains certain "rights":
- Embark on the ships of the French Navy
- Wearing the uniform
- Benefit from military status and rank equivalence
- To be able to sign one's works with a naval anchor
A voluntary approach
Does not become an official Painter of the Navy who wishes it. Although the process is voluntary. The ceremony takes place during the Salon de la Marine, organized every two or three years and based on the proposal of a jury appointed by the Chief of Staff of the Navy. During this exhibition, the titular painters exhibit their works, and traditionally, the works of painters who died in previous years are also exhibited.
At the end of the show, the jury deliberates to name between 1 and 4 new Official Navy Painters.
"About 300 artists applied for this 2021 edition and only 37 were selected, including 7 photographers. I am the only one who was selected to get the title. I had failed in 2016. It's a very long process. I didn't believe it!" concludes Ewan Lebourdais.
The works of Ewan Lebourdais
