| Guy de Montlaur | |
|---|---|
"Autoportrait sans indulgence" (1969) |
|
| Birth name | Guy de Villardi, comte de Montlaur |
| Born | 9 September 1918 Biarritz |
| Died | 10 August 1977 (aged 58) Garches, Paris |
| Nationality | French |
| Field | Painter |
| Training | Académie Julian |
| Movement | Cubism/Expressionism |
Guy de Villardi de Montlaur (9 September 1918, Biarritz—10 August 1977, Garches) was a French artist and soldier. His family originates from Montlaur (Hérault), a 10th century castle north of Montpellier in the Languedoc country. His ancestor Bernard II de Montlaur, Lord of Vailhauquès, had fought with Raymond IV of Toulouse in the First Crusade (1096–1099).
As a young man Montlaur studied philosophy at the Sorbonne, and painting at the Académie Julian. He worked with Emmanuel Fougerat and Jean Souverbie.
In 1938 he was conscripted for military service, and was posted on the German border when war was declared. After the battle of France, he reached England to join the Free French, and his unit - the 1er Bataillon de Fusiliers Marins Commandos (in which he served as a Sergeant) - was attached to No. 4 Commando of Lord Lovat's 1st Special Service Brigade for the invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944, landing at Ouistreham. He also took part in the assault on Flushing (Valcheren) on 1 November 1944. Montlaur had received seven citations and the French Légion d'honneur by the age of 25.
After the war Montlaur worked at the Art Students League of New York from 1947–1949, and exhibited his work regularly in Paris thereafter. Initially an exponent of Cubism, he later matured into a more Expressionist style.