Mattie Dube: A Pioneering Arkansas Artist
A recent visit to a local museum has sparked a fascinating exploration into the life and career of Mattie Dube, a celebrated Arkansas artist. Born near Clarendon, Arkansas, Mattie was the youngest of ten children to William Archibald Thweatt and Mary Catherine Jarman.
From an early age, Mattie demonstrated a remarkable talent for art. After her mother’s passing, she and a sister were raised by their Jarmon relatives in Alabama. This pivotal shift in her early life was a precursor to the intriguing journey that would make her one of the most renowned Arkansas artists of her time.
The Artistic Journey
Mattie received her artistic training in various esteemed institutions. She began her studies in Nashville, then continued at the Boston Academy of Fine Arts. Later, she honed her skills in Munich and Paris under the tutelage of prominent artists W.M. Bouguereau and Tony Robert-Fleury. This broad exposure honed her craft, which she would soon use to captivate audiences and garner accolades.
The Parisian Years
Following her marriage to Theodore Dubé de la Garanne, an artist in his own right, the couple maintained a studio in Paris. It was during this period that Mattie’s art gained significant recognition. She was the first woman to receive a gold medal from the prestigious Paris Art Salon in 1896, an achievement that solidified her standing in the art world. Tragically, the loss of her daughter Theodora to tuberculosis in 1916 led Mattie to abandon her painting career, a testament to the profound impact of personal loss on artistic pursuits.
Legacy in Arkansas
Upon returning to Arkansas, Mattie Dube left an indelible mark on the local art landscape. Her early paintings, which initially focused on still life, would later transition to portraiture. Some of these early works hang on the walls of private homes, a testament to the enduring appeal of her art. The story of Mattie Dube serves as a powerful reminder of the profound role art can play in both personal and collective narratives.
