History of Rosa Bonheur in Timeline

Rosa Bonheur, a renowned 19th-century French artist, distinguished herself as an exceptional animalière, specializing in animal paintings. Her realist approach extended to sculptures as well. Among her celebrated works are "Ploughing in the Nivernais," showcased at the 1848 Paris Salon and currently housed in Paris's Musée d'Orsay, and "The Horse Fair," a masterpiece displayed at the 1853 Salon and now a prized possession of New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bonheur's legacy as the preeminent female painter of her time remains undisputed.

1900: Posthumous Auction of Rosa Bonheur's Paintings

In 1900, following Rosa Bonheur's death, many of her paintings that had never been publicly displayed were sold at an auction in Paris.

1902: Death of Ernest Gambart

Ernest Gambart, the art dealer who represented Rosa Bonheur and brought her work to the United Kingdom, passed away in 1902.

1905: "The French Landscape and Peasant, 1820–1905"

In 1905, an exhibition titled "The French Landscape and Peasant, 1820–1905" featured Rosa Bonheur's work, showcasing her contribution to the realist painting movement during this period.

1905: Publication of "Women Painters of the World"

Walter Shaw Sparrow's book, "Women Painters of the World," was published in 1905, covering female artists from the 15th century to Rosa Bonheur's time, acknowledging her influence and role in the history of women artists.

1909: Publication of Anna Klumpke's Biography of Rosa Bonheur

Anna Klumpke, Rosa Bonheur's partner, published a biography titled "Rosa Bonheur: sa vie, son oeuvre" in 1909, offering an intimate account of the artist's life and work.

1910: Publication of "Reminiscences of Rosa Bonheur"

Edited by Theodore Stanton, "Reminiscences of Rosa Bonheur" was published in 1910, featuring a collection of Bonheur's personal letters that offered insights into her artistic process and personal life.

1971: Linda Nochlin's Essay on Women Artists Features Rosa Bonheur

Art historian Linda Nochlin published her groundbreaking essay "Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?" in 1971, which included a dedicated section on Rosa Bonheur, recognizing her significance in the art world.

1978: Rosa Bonheur's Work Featured in Chinese Exhibition

Despite being largely forgotten in the 20th century, Rosa Bonheur's painting "Ploughing in the Nivernais" was included in an exhibition of French landscape and peasant art sent to China by the French government in 1978.

1997: English Translation of Klumpke's Biography Published

Gretchen Van Slyke translated Anna Klumpke's biography of Rosa Bonheur into English, making it accessible to a wider audience in 1997. The book was titled "Rosa Bonheur: The Artist's (Auto)biography."

2008: Rosa Bonheur's "Monarchs of the Forest" Auctioned

Rosa Bonheur's painting "Monarchs of the Forest" was sold at auction for over $200,000 in 2008, demonstrating the enduring value and appeal of her artwork.

March 2022: Google Doodle Honors Rosa Bonheur

On March 16, 2022, Google commemorated the 200th anniversary of Rosa Bonheur's birth with a Doodle that was displayed in five countries: the United States, Ireland, France, Iceland, and India.