Frédéric Bazille
Hailing from a distinguished family in Montpellier, Frédéric Bazille initially relocated to Paris in 1862 to pursue medical studies before shifting his focus to painting. In Charles Gleyre's studio, he formed friendships with future Impressionists Monet, Renoir, and Sisley, all of whom shared his admiration for the famous realist painter, Édouard Manet.
Bazille's Studio offers an insight into the camaraderie and closeness among these pioneering artists. The backdrop is Bazille's studio on the rue de la Condamine, which he shared with Renoir from 1868 to 1870. At the heart of the composition stands Bazille, palette in hand. In a letter to his father, he mentioned that "Manet painted me into the scene," showcasing Manet's distinctively energetic style in portraying the young man. Manet, donning a hat, is seen observing the canvas on the easel. To the right, Edmond Maître, a close friend of Bazille's, is captured seated at a piano. Hanging above him is a still life by Monet, signifying Bazille's financial support for Monet through purchasing his artworks. The identities of the three figures on the left remain ambiguous, two of them could potentially represent Monet and Renoir. By integrating Manet and his followers amidst some of his works rejected by the Salon—like The Toilette above the sofa, and Fisherman with a Net on the left, as well as highlighting Renoir's landscape rejected in the 1866 Salon (the prominently framed painting to the right of the window)—Bazille critiques the Academy and boldly proclaims his artistic ideology.
Bazille died in the Franco-Prussian War a few months later. I always wonder how art history would look if he had not died so young.
P.S. If you would like to learn more about Bazille's importance for art history and Impressionism, please check our French Impressionism Mega Course that presents his story!
P.P.S. Frédéric Bazille is one of the most intriguing Impressionists. Learn more about his life and explore Bazille's glorious art (including the mentioned La Toilette painting)!