Rosa Bonheur, the compelling exhibition to see at the Musée d’Orsay

A major figure of the 19^th century who led modern fights still echoing today. From October 18, 2022 to January 15, 2023, the musée d'Orsay pays tribute to committed artist Rosa Bonheur for the bicentenary of his birth. A unique and major retrospective to enjoy.

Rosa Bonheur has been one of the greatest artists of her time: famous in Europe and the United States, she was part of the artists whose works of art were the most expensive of her time. The Musée d’Orsay shines a light on exclusive treasures, sometimes found in the attic of her old chateau set in Thomery. Over 200 paintings, graphic arts, sculptures and photographs are displayed, coming from public and private collections in Europe and the United States.

The multi-faceted artist won fame with her social fights and the way she depicted her convictions in her paintings. She was a woman’s empowerment icon, she also fought to have animals recognized as singular beings with their own sensitivity.

“She is similar to Leonardo da Vinci because of her scientific approach to drawing. She had a new look on animals who already have a soul for her”, Rosa Bonheur château-museum owner Katherine Brault told Le Parisien. The artist had a sharp eye and a great technique mastering enabling her to create works of a remarkable precision and vitality.

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This exhibition enables to depict this surprising artist, far from clichés: the first female artist ever given the Légion d’Honneur. Rosa Bonheur was a businesswoman, a woman fascinated by drawing and opera, a woman who made it her own way to financial and moral independence… A woman who inspired many artists to follow their own path!

This event is also the occasion to discover works of art never displayed before, such as the preparatory canvas for “La Foulaison du blé en Camargue” [Treading Wheat in the Camargue], covering two meters long, or a drawing over 4.50 meters long, recently discovered at the Château de By.

Come and meet this extraordinary woman and artist who will delight you as she delighted the art world back in her days!