Henri Darien studied with Jules Lefebvre and Guillemet. He became a member of the Société des Artistes Français in 1886 and exhibited regularly at their Salons, receiving numerous distinctions, notably: an honourable mention in 1889; third-class medal, 1897; Prix de Raigecourt-Goyon, 1897; second-class medal, 1899. His work appeared at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. He was made a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur in 1910.
In his works, he chose a compromise between two contemporary styles: realism and Impressionism. His Auction is a scene featuring highly active real people, painted in a precise style; whereas the port and the transparent effects of the water in the background are obtained by means of small, light, luminous touches.
Museum and Gallery Holdings
Auxerre: In the Forest
Fécamp (Mus. des Terre-Neuvas et de la Pêche): Auction (La Criée) (1909, oil on canvas)
