RIVE

Bernard GANTNER

was born in Belfort, in 1928. At the age of nine years old his talent emerged; his propensity for drawing was remarkable. His grandfather, who was a teacher, was able to nurture and encourage Gantner’s gift, and taught him to appreciate the wonders of nature. During World War II, Gantner was fortunate in that the curator from the museum in Belfort became his mentor, and initiated him into the world of oil painting. The museum was closed to the public because of the war, and so Gantner practically had the museum to himself. Gantner was able to admire and study the medieval works, and art by such renowned artists as Delacroix, Courbet and Jongkind. After finishing school in