Guy de Montlaur

Guy de Montlaur

Self-portrait by Guy de Montlaur

Autoportrait sans indulgenge (1969)
Born Guy de Villardi, comte de Montlaur
(1918-09-09)9 September 1918
Biarritz
Died 10 August 1977(1977-08-10) (aged 58)
Garches, Paris
Nationality French
Education Académie Julian
Known for Painter
Movement Cubism/Expressionism
Website montlaur.net

Military career

Allegiance  France
Service/branch French Army
Free French Naval Commandos
Years of service 1938-1945
Rank Lieutenant
Unit
  • 3e Régiment de Hussards
  • 15è Groupe de Reconnaissance de Corps d’Armée
  • 1er Bataillon de Fusiliers Marins Commandos
Battles/wars
Awards Legion d'Honneur

Guy de Villardi de Montlaur (9 September 1918, Biarritz10 August 1977, Garches) was a French artist and soldier. His family originated 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).[1]

As a young man Montlaur studied philosophy at the Sorbonne, and painting at the Académie Julian from 1936-1938.[1] He worked with Emmanuel Fougerat and Jean Souverbie.

In October 1938 he was conscripted for military service, serving in the 3e Régiment de Hussards. He was a member of the 15è Groupe de Reconnaissance de Corps d’Armée initially based at Sarreguemines on the German border during the battle of France.[2] He eventually left France, travelling to England via Lisbon to join the Free French in October 1942. His unit – the 1er Bataillon de Fusiliers Marins Commandos, in which he served as a Second-Maître[3] (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.[1] He also took part in the assault on the Dutch island of Walcheren ("Operation Infatuate") on 1 November 1944, having been commissioned at a lieutenant.[4] Montlaur received the French Croix de Guerre with seven citations and the Légion d'Honneur by the age of 25.[1]

After the war Montlaur worked at the Art Students League of New York from 1947–1949, and exhibited his work regularly in Paris thereafter.[1] Initially an exponent of Cubism, he later matured into a more Expressionist style.

Montlaur is buried at the military cemetery at Ranville, Normandy.[5]

In the 1962 film The Longest Day he was played by Georges Rivière.[6]

Exhibitions

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Biography - Guy de Montlaur". montlaur.net. 2007. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  2. "Novembre 1938 – juin 1940 « Montlaur". blog.montlaur.net. 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  3. "D-Day - Commando Kieffer - Order of battle". americandday.org. 2012. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  4. "OPERATION INFATUATE - WALCHEREN". combinedops.com. 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  5. "Guy de MONTLAUR". Biographie de Fusiliers marins et Commandos. 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  6. "The Longest Day (1962) - Full cast and crew". imdb.com. 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.

External links

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