The majestic world of animals through the eyes of Rosa Bonheur

The text below is the excerpt from the book Rosa Bonheur (ISBN: 9781639197880), written by Vicky Charles, published by Parkstone International.

Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899) was a French artist known for her exceptional talent in animal painting, particularly in depicting horses. She gained international acclaim for her detailed and lifelike portrayals of animals, showcasing a deep understanding of their anatomy and behavior. Bonheur’s groundbreaking work challenged gender norms of the time, as she gained recognition in a male-dominated art world. Throughout her career, Bonheur received numerous awards and honors, including being the first woman to receive the Cross of the Legion of Honour in France. Her legacy continues to inspire artists and admirers alike, as she remains a prominent figure in the history of art.

Consuelo Fould, Rosa Bonheur, between 1892 and 1893 — *Consuelo Fould, Rosa Bonheur*, between 1892 and 1893. Oil on canvas, 130.7 x 94.7 cm. Leeds Art Gallery, West Yorkshire, UK.

Before she could even walk, little Rosa found sheer bliss in the touch of a pencil and the canvas of paper. Her childhood was a whirlwind of ceaseless drawing, as she poured her heart and soul into capturing the essence of animals, adorning walls with her vibrant creations. With each stroke, she embarked on a lifelong quest to immortalize the beauty of the natural world.

In her own words, she described her childhood: “I adamantly refused to learn to read; however, by the age of four, I developed a fervent love for drawing. I adorned the clean walls as high as my little arms could reach with my unrefined sketches. I also took pleasure in cutting out various figures, which would always follow the same pattern. Initially, I’d create lengthy ribbons and then cut out a shepherd, followed by a dog, a calf, a sheep, and finally a tree – all in the exact same sequence. I devoted many days to indulging in this delightful activity.”

Portrait of a Horse, Rosa Bonheur — *Portrait of a Horse*. 33.8 x 40.6 cm.

Born in Bordeaux on 16 March 1822, Rosa Bonheur came into a world coloured by her father’s artistic passion and the ideals of the Saint-Simonian movement. Raymond Bonheur, a devoted artist and fervent supporter of gender equality, nurtured Rosa’s artistic talents alongside her siblings, Auguste, Isidore, and Juliette. While Raymond’s decision to join the Saint-Simonian community initially led him to leave his wife Sophie and children. The tragic loss of Sophie revived his sense of responsibility, and he embraced the role of a single father. As life unfolded, Rosa remained faithfully by his side, the beacon of artistic inspiration that flourished under his caring guidance.

In the realm of artistic lineage, Rosa Bonheur was undoubtedly a shining star. Her mother, a music teacher, and her father, an artist, instilled a deep affection in their children and ignited their artistic passions. While Rosa possessed an extraordinary talent that set her apart, her siblings, Auguste and Isidore, as well as her sister, Madame Peyrol, also embraced their creative gifts and blossomed into talented artists in their own right. Together, this remarkable family wove a tapestry of artistic brilliance that spanned generations.

From the earliest moments of her existence, Rosa Bonheur’s connection with animals was woven into the very fabric of her being. In the vibrant tapestry of her childhood, she immersed herself in the study and sketching of these magnificent creatures, venturing fearlessly into farms, horse fairs, and even slaughterhouses to capture their essence in different settings. This childhood fascination evolved into a lifelong passion, a blazing fire that fueled her artistic journey. With a laser focus on animals, particularly horses, cattle, and sheep, Rosa Bonheur emerged as a trailblazing artist who skillfully breathed life into her canvases. Her art became a testament to her steadfast dedication, influenced by the formative experiences of her youth and her father’s unwavering support. Rosa’s childhood laid the fertile groundwork for her artistic genius to flourish, allowing her to rise as one of the most revered female artists of her era.

The Horse Fair, 1852-1855, Rosa Bonheur — *The Horse Fair*, 1852-1855. Oil on canvas, 244.5 x 506.7 cm. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

In 1828, Raymond Bonheur embarked on a journey to Paris, driven by his aspiration to secure a more prosperous position than the one he held in Bordeaux. Initially, he ventured alone, spending a year in the vibrant city before his family joined him. Their correspondence reveals fascinating insights into the early inclinations of their daughter, Rosa. Madame Bonheur, in her letters to Raymond, expressed her bewilderment at the dichotomy between Rosa’s remarkable intelligence and her struggles in learning. She surmised that perhaps it was stubbornness, yet she affirmed Rosa’s inherent goodness and shared her pride in a landscape drawing Rosa had created: “I cannot say what Rosa will be, but of this I am sure, she will not be an ordinary woman.” Tragically, Madame Bonheur’s prophetic words were unfulfilled, as she passed away in 1833, just four years after the family had settled in Paris.

Raymond Bonheur achieved remarkable success in Paris, to the extent that his wife and children were able to join him in 1829. Rosa, who would later become a prominent figure in the French capital, vividly describes their first home there. Situated across from a pork butcher’s shop adorned with a painted wooden wild boar sign, Rosa developed a fondness for the establishment and would often pause to stroke the charming artwork as she passed by. This endearing habit foreshadowed her enduring love for animals, which would become a defining aspect of her life…

Some of the featured artworks of Bonheur: