Rosalie (Rosa) Bonheur was born in Bordeaux, and moved to Paris in 1829. She was a famous animal painter. She exhibited the original version of The Horse Fair (now in the Metropolitan Museum, New York) at the Salon of 1853, where it won great acclaim. She executed a smaller version, now at the Gallery to facilitate the making of prints after the painting for sale.
Rosa Bonheur
1822 - 1899
Paintings by Rosa Bonheur
This is a painting of sheer animal power. Brilliant white light builds up the turbulence and excitement of the scene. Rosa Bonheur has made the convulsion of the muscles and the flying manes almost tangible, capturing the rearing, plunging animals and the strength and dexterity of their handlers...