# Rosa Bonheur

> French artist (1822-1899)

**Wikidata**: [Q241732](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q241732)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Bonheur)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rosa-bonheur

## Summary
Rosa Bonheur was a French artist (1822–1899) known for her realistic depictions of animals, particularly horses, in her paintings. She was a prominent figure in the animal art movement and received numerous awards, including the Legion of Honour.

## Biography
- Born: March 16, 1822, in La Châtre, France
- Nationality: French
- Education: Trained in Paris under the guidance of the Saint-Simonian movement
- Known for: Pioneering animal art with a focus on horses and rural life
- Employer(s): None; worked independently as a painter
- Field(s): Fine arts, animal art

## Contributions
- Created *Ploughing in the Nivernais* (1849), a notable painting depicting rural life and animals.
- Produced *The Horse Fair* (1853), a work held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Developed *Haymaking in the Auvergne* (1855), showcasing her detailed animal depictions.
- Received the Knight of the Legion of Honour and Officer of the Legion of Honour for her artistic achievements.
- Awarded the Order of Saint Charles for her contributions to art.

## FAQs
**What was Rosa Bonheur known for?**
Rosa Bonheur was known for her realistic animal paintings, particularly those featuring horses, which became a hallmark of the animal art movement.

**Where did Rosa Bonheur work?**
Rosa Bonheur worked independently as a painter, primarily in France, and did not have a formal employer.

**What awards did Rosa Bonheur receive?**
Rosa Bonheur received the Knight of the Legion of Honour, Officer of the Legion of Honour, and the Order of Saint Charles for her contributions to art.

**What are some notable works by Rosa Bonheur?**
Some notable works by Rosa Bonheur include *Ploughing in the Nivernais* (1849), *The Horse Fair* (1853), and *Haymaking in the Auvergne* (1855).

## Why They Matter
Rosa Bonheur's contributions to animal art significantly influenced the development of the genre, particularly in her depictions of horses and rural life. Her works are held in prestigious collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and her realistic style set a standard for future artists. Her recognition through awards and exhibitions cemented her legacy as a pioneering figure in the field.

## Notable For
- Pioneered realistic animal art, particularly in depicting horses.
- Received multiple prestigious awards, including the Legion of Honour and the Order of Saint Charles.
- Her works are held in major museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Influenced the animal art movement with her detailed and lifelike depictions.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Rosa Bonheur was born on March 16, 1822, in La Châtre, France. She received her training in Paris, influenced by the Saint-Simonian movement, which emphasized social and educational reform.

### Career and Artistic Development
Bonheur's career as a painter began in the 1830s, focusing on realistic depictions of animals, particularly horses. Her works often depicted rural life and scenes of daily activity, showcasing her skill in capturing the essence of her subjects.

### Notable Works
Bonheur created several notable paintings, including *Ploughing in the Nivernais* (1849), which depicted rural life and animals in a realistic manner. *The Horse Fair* (1853) is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is a significant example of her work. *Haymaking in the Auvergne* (1855) further demonstrated her ability to depict animals in a lifelike and detailed manner.

### Awards and Recognition
Bonheur received numerous awards for her contributions to art, including the Knight of the Legion of Honour and the Officer of the Legion of Honour. She was also awarded the Order of Saint Charles, recognizing her significant impact on the art world.

### Legacy and Influence
Rosa Bonheur's legacy as a pioneer in animal art is evident in her realistic and detailed depictions of horses and rural life. Her works continue to be studied and admired, and her influence on the animal art movement remains significant. Bonheur's ability to capture the essence of her subjects set a standard for future artists in the genre.

## References

1. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
2. BnF authorities
3. Metropolitan Museum of Art
4. With special emphasis on homosexuality
5. [Rosa Bonheur: Cross-dressing painter honored “androgyne Christ”. 2023](https://qspirit.net/rosa-bonheur-painter-androgyne-christ/)
6. artist list of the National Museum of Sweden. 2016
7. Integrated Authority File
8. [Smithsonian Magazine](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/redemption-rosa-bonheur-french-artist-180976027/)
9. [Source](https://books.google.com/books?id=YTyBAAAAQBAJ&q=Rosa+Bonheur#v=onepage&q&f=false)
10. [Source](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Rosa_Bonheur/vbJPAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=rosa+bonheur+lesbian&dq=rosa+bonheur+lesbian&printsec=frontcover)
11. [Source](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Lesbian_Art_in_America/p2NQAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=rosa+bonheur+lesbian&dq=rosa+bonheur+lesbian&printsec=frontcover)
12. The Fine Art Archive
13. Union List of Artist Names
14. Concise Dictionary of Women Artists
15. Deux siècles d'histoire au Père Lachaise
16. Le cimetière du Père-Lachaise
17. Dictionnaire des féministes
18. [Source](https://www.legiondhonneur.fr/fr/actualites/le-musee-celebre-rosa-bonheur/1912/2)
19. Léonore database
20. International Standard Name Identifier
21. Lingua Libre
22. [Source](http://www.slate.fr/story/196390/trois-femmes-oubliees-cimetiere-pere-lachaise-rosa-bonheur-gerda-taro-sophie-blanchard)
23. [Source](https://www.musee-orsay.fr/sites/default/files/exposition/booklet/2022-10/prog%20salle_Rosa%20Bonheur_FRA.pdf)
24. [Source](https://vls.hsa.ethz.ch/client/link/de/archiv/einheit/ffeb05d7c06542c7b48fda00d8591534)
25. Rosa Bonheur. RKDartists
26. Rosa Bonheur. CLARA
27. [Rosalie Bonheur. Léonore database](http://www.culture.gouv.fr/public/mistral/leonore_fr?ACTION=CHERCHER&FIELD_1=COTE&VALUE_1=LH/267/50)
28. SNAC
29. FemBio database
30. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
31. Bonheur, (Marie-)Rosa
32. Artists of the World Online
33. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
34. Roglo
35. GeneaStar
36. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
37. [Le Figaro. 1899](http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k284765j/f2)
38. [Le Figaro. 1899](http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k284763s/f3)
39. RKDartists
40. Virtual International Authority File
41. CERL Thesaurus
42. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
43. Google Doodle
44. LIBRIS. 2012
45. [Source](https://collection.nationalmuseum.se/eMP/eMuseumPlus?service=ExternalInterface&module=artist&objectId=7896)
46. [Source](http://pba-opacweb.lille.fr/fr/search-notice?type=list&filters%5Bfacets.id%5D%5B%5D=5cc2aedf5c0284355b8b49b4)
47. Joconde
48. Smithsonian American Art Museum person/institution ID
49. [Source](https://ackland.emuseum.com/people/1848/rosa-bonheur/objects)
50. [Source](https://www.chateaudefontainebleau.fr/collection-et-ressources/les-collections/peintures/la-fenaison-auvergne/)