Description

Veronica D. Niculescu uses fiction to tell Ştefan Luchian's life. She traces the painter's art, close bonds, and loss of strength. The book forms part of the Biografii romanțate series. The series tells life stories through fiction.

Luchian was born in 1868 in Ştefăneşti, Botoşani. His father was Major Dimitrie Luchian. His mother was Elena Kiriacescu. He grew up with Anibal, his younger brother. At five, he moved with his family to Bucharest. He lived in Popa Soare and went to school in Tabaci. His father died during the War of Independence. His mother then raised both sons.

Luchian went to Sfîntul Sava. His mother planned an army career for him, but he refused. He chose art school instead. He also studied flute at the Conservatory for a short time. He went on to study in Munich and Paris. He learned more in museums than in formal classes. At home, Grigorescu taught him more than his teachers did. His studies in Paris ended when his mother died.

Back in Romania, he opened a studio. He joined artists who worked outside official groups. He opposed the art those in power favoured. His early life of ease ended when his inheritance ran out. He rented rooms, worked hard, and grew closer to poor people.

His multiple sclerosis grew severe in 1901. He still painted outdoors for a few years. By 1910, he could no longer go out as paralysis spread. He then painted flowers most of the time. He died in June 1916, aged 48. He left paintings of landscapes, people, and flowers.

Scenes with Cecilia show how he sees colour, shade, and form. In other scenes, he paints with a brush tied to his fingers. Dreamlike woods, music, and a deer reveal more of his inner life. Niculescu draws on her work as a writer and translator. She has won awards for her work in translation.