Franklin Latortue (1942-2012) 24"x18" Haitian Farmers at Work 1977 Oil on Canvas Unframed Painting#1ML
Franklin Latortue (1942-2012) 24"x18" Haitian Farmers at Work 1977 Oil on Canvas Unframed Painting#1ML
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Description
Description
This vibrant 1977 oil on canvas by Franklin Latortue presents a richly detailed depiction of rural Haitian life, centered on a group of farmers working the land beneath towering tropical trees. Three laborers occupy the foreground, their gestures animated and purposeful as they cultivate the soil with tools raised in rhythmic motion. Nearby, a child sits quietly among stones, observing the activity with stillness that contrasts the dynamic movement of the workers. In the background, modest village houses and gently rolling hills extend into the distance, reinforcing the painting’s pastoral narrative and sense of place. Latortue’s style is distinguished by its clarity of form, careful detailing, and harmonious palette. Lush greens dominate the composition, rendered in layered foliage textures that create depth and atmosphere. The figures are modeled with simplified realism, their brightly colored clothing—reds, yellows, pinks, and blues—bringing warmth and vitality to the landscape. The central tree canopy frames the scene like a natural arch, lending structure and monumentality to the composition while emphasizing the land’s fertility and abundance. Signed and dated 1977, this work embodies Latortue’s celebrated ability to capture Haiti’s agricultural traditions with sincerity and narrative richness. The painting is in good condition and is offered unframed. It is sourced from a private collector in Ontario, Canada, and will ship directly from Canada. A strong and collectible example of Haitian modern genre painting, this composition honors labor, community, and the enduring relationship between people and the land.
About this artist
About this artist
Franklin Latortue (1942–2012) was a Haitian painter known for his richly detailed jungle scenes and expressive primitive-style landscapes. Born on November 12, 1942, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Latortue developed his artistic foundation through both academic study and institutional training within Haiti’s leading art centers. He attended Casernes Dessalines Grade School and Toussaint Louverture High School before joining the Centre d’Art in 1961, one of Haiti’s most influential artistic institutions. In 1965, he entered the Académie des Beaux-Arts, where he studied under Professors Georges Ramponeau and Montagutelli. His academic training strengthened his compositional structure while maintaining the vibrant spirit characteristic of modern Haitian art. In 1969, Latortue moved to New York and participated in an exhibition sponsored by Columbia University, expanding his visibility beyond Haiti and introducing his work to an international audience. Franklin Latortue became especially recognized for his jungle paintings rendered in a primitive style, featuring dense vegetation, tropical flora, rhythmic patterns, and luminous color palettes. His works capture the richness of Haiti’s natural environment through layered compositions and imaginative detail. Today, Franklin Latortue’s paintings remain sought after by collectors of Haitian art, Caribbean modern painting, and primitive landscape art. His legacy stands as an important contribution to 20th-century Haitian painting traditions. Reference: Haiti: Voodoo Kingdom to Modern Riviera by John Allen Franciscus (1980).
