About Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899)
Rosa Bonheur was a French artist known for her paintings of animals and rural life. Born in 1822, she broke gender norms by pursuing a career in the male-dominated field of art and became one of the most successful female artists of her time. Her work was characterized by her attention to detail and accurate depictions of animals and landscapes, which were popular with both the public and critics.
She was awarded the Legion of Honour by the French government and became the first woman to receive this award. In addition to her artwork, Bonheur was also a passionate advocate for animal rights and was known to have kept a menagerie of animals at her studio. Her work continues to be celebrated for its technical excellence and for paving the way for women artists.