Jean Frédéric Bazille
1841 - 1870
Jean Frédéric Bazille was a French painter, one from the early Impressionist group. He was best known for his depiction of figures rather than landscapes.
Bazille was born in Montpellier, Hérault, Languedoc-Roussillon, into a middle-class Protestant family, he became interested in painting after seeing some works of Eugène Delacroix.
Bazille began studying medicine in 1859, and moved to Paris in 1862 to continue his studies. There he met Pierre-Auguste Renoir, was drawn to Impressionist painting, and began taking classes in Charles Gleyre's studio in Paris (1862).
He befriended Monet, Renoir, and Sisley, with whom he painted out of doors at Fontainebleau and in Normandy. He came from a wealthy family and had given generous financial support to Monet and Renoir. After failing his medical exam in 1864, he began painting full-time.
Bazille was just twenty-three years old when he painted several famous works, including "The Pink Dress". His best known painting is the large "Family Reunion" (Musée d'Orsay, Paris, 1867-68).
Frédéric Bazille died in 1870 at the age of twenty-nine. He was killed in action in Beaune-la-Rolande, Loiret during the Franco-Prussian War, cutting short a promising career.
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