Jean-Bernard Etienne (Haitian, 1952-2019)

Jean-Bernard Etienne (1952–May 26, 2019) was a self-taught Haitian artist born in Gonaïves, Haiti, who developed a passion for painting at an early age. Working in an expressive style, Etienne is best known for dramatic portraits of young women and children—faces rendered with a distinctive sense of innocence, serenity, and quiet emotional intensity. His paintings often balance expressive brushwork with an idealized tenderness, particularly in depictions of childhood. As Gérald Alexis observed in Peintres Haïtiens, Etienne “turns to an idealized style to describe the innocence of childhood,” a theme that remains central to his artistic legacy. Today, his work is appreciated for its emotional clarity, human warmth, and enduring contribution to modern Haitian portraiture. Scroll down to make your selection (s).