The Artistic Journey of Thierry Poncelet
Thierry Poncelet, born in Brussels in 1946, transformed the world of portrait painting through his unique artistic concept known as "Aristochiens." Rather than pursuing a conventional path as a traditional animal painter or focusing on commissioned works of prized dogs, Poncelet discovered a distinctive approach that combines his admiration for canines with his passion for classical painting and his irreverent sense of humor.
Poncelet's Ingenious Concept
The concept of "Aristochiens" emerged from a pivotal moment in Poncelet's career as a painting restorer. While working on a portrait of an aristocrat with particularly unappealing features, he impulsively replaced the human face with a dog's head. This spontaneous transformation proved remarkably effective and opened a creative outlet for the artist's imagination. What began as a personal, satirical experiment gained immediate enthusiasm from friends and colleagues, launching a unique artistic direction that would define his career.
The Formation Years of Thierry Poncelet
Poncelet studied at the Fine Arts Academy and Saint-Luc in Brussels before joining Max Massot's workshop, where he mastered oil painting techniques and the demanding discipline of antique painting restoration. This rigorous training provided him with comprehensive knowledge of historical painting methods, allowing him to quickly establish a solid reputation in the restoration field, particularly with portraits.
Creative Philosophy
Although the concept of human-animal hybrids is not new-existing in the tradition of imaginary creatures that have populated our collective imagination since ancient times-Poncelet's approach stands in the direct lineage of artists like Charles Lebrun and Isidore Granville, whose "Métamorphoses du jour" (1828-29) achieved resounding success and later inspired the Surrealists.
Poncelet's work also addresses the sad reality that ancestral portraits, regardless of their former prestige, often languish in attics or are relegated to obscure, neglected corners. His genius lies in giving these forgotten paintings new life through provocative yet delightful transformations.
Artistic Process and Expression
Rather than simply creating a catalog of canine species, Poncelet's portraits function as a human comedy-a gallery of expressions, temperaments, and emotions portrayed through animal features. The striking authenticity of his work stems from dogs' uniquely diverse range of expressions, capable of illustrating numerous character traits and emotions, further enhanced by the wide variety of breeds offering an extensive array of physiognomies.
Working primarily in Monaco today, Thierry Poncelet enjoys an international career that demonstrates the global appreciation for his art-work firmly rooted in classical tradition yet infused with humor and originality that delights connoisseurs of the genre.