Alexandre Cabanel
Alexandre Cabanel (1823–1889) was a French academic painter known for his portraits, historical, and mythological paintings, epitomizing the style of 19th-century academic art. Born in Montpellier, France, Cabanel was admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris at the age of 17, where he studied under François-Édouard Picot, a prominent academic painter. He quickly gained recognition for his technical skill, classical training, and mastery of the human form, winning the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1845. This award allowed him to study in Rome, where he was influenced by the Renaissance masters and the neoclassical ideals of beauty.
Cabanel became renowned for his highly polished style, focusing on idealized beauty, smooth brushwork, and meticulously detailed compositions. His most famous painting, "The Birth of Venus" (1863), portrays the goddess Venus emerging from the sea, exemplifying his refined technique and sensual yet tasteful depiction of the female form. The painting was an immediate success at the Paris Salon, where it was purchased by Emperor Napoleon III, cementing Cabanel's reputation as one of the leading academic painters of his time. His works often feature mythological, historical, and religious themes, characterized by their idealism, elegance, and harmonious composition.
Cabanel was also a highly influential teacher at the École des Beaux-Arts, where he mentored numerous artists who would go on to achieve significant fame, including Fernand Cormon and Henri Gervex. As a staunch defender of academic art, Cabanel was resistant to the emerging avant-garde movements, such as Impressionism, which he saw as a challenge to the classical traditions he championed. Despite this, his work was immensely popular during his lifetime, and he was awarded several honors, including being named a member of the Institut de France. Today, his paintings are held in major collections, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.
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Full Name: Alexandre Cabanel
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Birth and Death: 1823–1889
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Profession: Painter
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Influences: Academic Art, Neoclassicism, Renaissance Masters
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Legacy: Renowned for his idealized portraits and mythological scenes; a leading figure in 19th-century academic art; works are held in major collections such as the Musée d'Orsay, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Hermitage Museum.
