Enrique Ougo
| Enrique Ougo | |
 | |
 Who's Who of Nouvelle Alexandrie | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Enrique François Emmanuel Ougo |
| Birth Date | 20.II.1660 AN |
| Death Date | 09.XII.1738 AN |
| Residence | Parap, Wechua Nation |
Enrique Ougo is a Nouvelle Alexandrian painter and amateur biologist. He is most renowned for his baroque art style, which are on display at the National Museum Complex in Cárdenas, the capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie. He was educated at the Royal University of Parap and completed his first masterpiece, The Saint of Parap, in 1689 AN. He is remembered not only for his mastery of lighting and realistic expression, but also for his extensive catalogue featuring both portraits, still lifes, and landscapes.
A Cárdenas Metro was renamed in his honour in 1711 AN. Ougo struggled in the latter part of his life with dementia - which began at age 70 - leading to his death at the age of 78 in 1738 AN.
Style
Ougo's style has been described as late baroque , due to its deep colours, contrast, movement, and surprise. His extensive use of chiaroscuro- the dramatic contrasting of light and dark - and anatomical realism has remained a staple and point of recognition for contemporary art experts. He has also been unique by the application of his signature - E.F.E. Ougo - to prevent forgery.
Art historians generally divide Ougos career into three stylistic periods:
- Early Period (1680 AN-1696 AN) with strong influence from naturalism, restrained palettes, and highly realistic portraiture. Art pieces like The Saint of Parap and River Crossing at Dusk symbolise his early experimentation.
- Middle Period (1696 AN-1718 AN) with increased theatricality, deeper contrasts, vigorous movement, and complex symbolic content; widely considered his artistic peak. World-renown art pieces like Portrait of Queen Alexandra, Autumn Fruits, Storm above Olive Hills, and The Falconer depict his mastery of contrast and deep colours.
- Late Period (1718 AN-1730 AN) with more introspective compositions with softer transitions, contemplative moods, and an increasing interest in mortality. Culminates in art pieces like Pears on Silverware and Self-Portrait by Candlelight, although production during his latter lifetime was scarce.
Despite his deteriorating health, Ougo managed to produce a final artpiece - aptly named The Last Light - in 1736 AN. This final work is often regarded as the philosophical conclusion to Ougo's lifelong exploration of light, shadow, and the human condition.
Catalogue
Portraits
- The Saint of Parap (1689 AN)
- Self-Portrait with Palette (1692 AN)
- Old Soldier Before Dawn (1693 AN)
- Portrait of Queen Alexandra (1696 AN)
- The Collector's Chamber (1698 AN)
- The Scholars of Parap (1700 AN)
- Widow in Black Velvet (1703 AN)
- Lady with Crimson Roses (1705 AN)
- Lady holding a Pearl Fan (1710 AN)
- The Magistrate's Court (1714 AN)
- The Falconer (1718 AN)
- Portrait of an Elder Statesman (1722 AN)
- Self-Portrait by Candlelight (1726 AN)
Still Lifes
- Silver Goblet with Figs (1686 AN)
- Bread, Wine, and Pewter (1690 AN)
- Flowers in a Gold Vase (1694 AN)
- Books and Globe (1699 AN)
- Autumn Fruits (1706 AN)
- White Lilies at Dawn (1709 AN)
- Crystal and Cherries (1712 AN)
- Pears on Silverware (1723 AN)
- The Last Light (1736 AN)
