Although I tell people I am an artist by profession, it would really be more truthful to say that I am a perpetual student. For whenever I am embarking on a new painting, drawing, or theme, I can’t help but look to the great artists that have walked with their paintbrushes and charcoal sticks before me. Part of this tradition comes, I confess, from a pleasure in knowing that there have existed other beings as obsessed as I in rendering faithfully a blade of grass, a flower, a feather. But my greatest motivation is to learn something more about my craft, for there is no better “textbook” for an artist than a painting or drawing gifted to the world by a brilliant artist of a previous time.
"Barbaro after the Hunt" Philadelphia Museum of Art
And so it goes, that my latest fascination with painting dogs has led me to a renewed interest in the amazing life and work of Rosa Bonheur. Although this woman is considered the greatest female painter of 19th century France, not many of us “art people” even know of her name. True, much of her work was destroyed by aggressive cleaning and poor restoration techniques, but that is not the whole story. At the end of her life, modern ways of painting became the trend in the art world, and Rosa would have no part of it. She was not about to abandon the academic tradition that gave her the tools of expressing all that she cherished in her colorful life.
During her prolific years as an animal artist, Rosa Bonheur achieved celebrity status, particularly in England and the United States for her impressive paintings of the animal world. But she also was a woman from a future time, independent, assertive, following only the guidance of her heart, irrespective of the rigid social norms.
"The Horse Fair" Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC
Trained by her artist father in the academic tradition, she quickly was recognized and awarded for her talent. When she was only 31 years of age, she completed, after 18 months of work, the huge painting “The Horse Fair”, which catapulted her to center stage in the art world. This powerful painting pulls the viewer into the energy of the scene through her incredible knowledge of form, anatomy and composition. The painting today can be viewed at the Metropolitan Musuem of Art in New York City.
Portrait of Col. William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill)
Through her personal appearances with the public and the marketing efforts of the art dealer Ernest Gambert, her work soon became known internationally, especially in the United States, where “The Horse Fair” found it’s home. But as Americans became enchanted with Rosa, Rosa became equally captivated by the spirit of America—it represented the values of freedom and independence, qualities that made up the fabric of her own soul. This love found expression in her magnificent portrait of Buffalo Bill Cody. When he brought his Wild West Show to France, she spent 7 months sketching in his camps, getting to know firsthand both the animals and the Indians.
Sketches of Indian Artifacts, Weapons and Pipes
As Rosa’s success grew, she was able to purchase and maintain a property just outside the Forest of Fontainebleau in France. The land became home not only to her and her beloved companion Nathalie, but to many of the animals that were to be the models for her paintings. Dogs, parrots, otters, and even lions took residence there, where they received not only the love and care of Rosa and Nathalie, but the honor of becoming the subjects of her sketches and drawings. After the death of her lioness, she said:
“My lioness loved. She, therefore, had more soul than certain people who do not love."
Studies of Lions and Lionesses
So what is the keystone of my fascination with Rosa Bonheur? Certainly her knowledge of her craft inspires me to continue my personal study to further develop my own artwork. And I share with her the belief that the best art springs from first hand knowledge gained through observation and sketching. But above all, it was her ability to capture with respect and deep understanding, the dignity and power of animals. By making us feel the intense love and passion she had for the animal kingdom, and connecting us with the spirit of it all, she rises to the top of the greatest animal artists of all time.
Do you have a creative soul from past times who has inspired and touched your life? We'd love to hear it in the comments below!
For fun:
http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/435702
http://centerofthewest.org