Rosa Bonheur (French, 1822-1899)

Bonheur is undoubtedly the best known French dog and animal painter of the nineteenth century. In fact, her paintings of dogs are a relatively small part of her work. However, they do stand out as some of her best. She studied with her father and then established herself in Paris, gaining acceptance from the Salon in 1841. Bonheur continued to exhibit there and in the provinces every year thereafter and became immensely popular. She was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1865, and in 1894 was the first woman to become an officer of the Legion.

This work has been seen and authenticated by Professor Annie-Paule Quinsac.