As a celebrated and accomplished artist of the 19th century, Rosa Bonheur succeeded in elevating animal painting to the status of art. Defying the social conventions of her time, she became the first female artist to receive the Legion of Honour, making her work a symbol of independence and freedom. Her realistic animal depictions and naturalistic style established her as a pioneer of her era. Largely forgotten after her death, her work, in this book, is being brought back into the spotlight by Armelle Fémelat, art historian, journalist, and specialist in the Italian Renaissance and animal studies. This book offers a precise and attentive reading of the artist’s work, allowing readers to appreciate the uniqueness of both her art and her life.

As a celebrated and accomplished artist of the 19th century, Rosa Bonheur succeeded in elevating animal painting to the status of art. Defying the social conventions of her time, she became the first female artist to receive the Legion of Honour, making her work a symbol of independence and freedom. Her realistic animal depictions and naturalistic style established her as a pioneer of her era. Largely forgotten after her death, her work, in this book, is being brought back into the spotlight by Armelle Fémelat, art historian, journalist, and specialist in the Italian Renaissance and animal studies. This book offers a precise and attentive reading of the artist’s work, allowing readers to appreciate the uniqueness of both her art and her life.