Rosa Bonheur
Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899) was a French painter and sculptor, widely regarded as one of the most celebrated female artists of the 19th century. Born in Bordeaux, Bonheur specialized in animal paintings and gained international recognition for her realistic and often monumental depictions of animals in their natural environments. Her most famous work, "The Horse Fair" (1852–1855), exemplifies her mastery of animal anatomy and her ability to capture dynamic movement on a large scale.
Bonheur's success as a female artist in a male-dominated field was groundbreaking, and she became a role model for women artists. Her works were widely exhibited, and she was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 1865. Today, her paintings are held in prestigious collections, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
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Full Name: Marie-Rosalie Bonheur
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Birth and Death: 1822–1899
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Profession: Painter and Sculptor
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Influences: Realism, Animal Painting
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Legacy: Celebrated for her monumental animal paintings, Bonheur’s works are housed in institutions like the Musée d'Orsay and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.