Frederic Bazille
(Montpellier 1841 - Beaune-la-Rolande, near Orleans 1870 )
French Impressionist Artist
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Bazille, who came from a well-to-do, cultured background, began to study medicine in his home town in 1859. His general interest in art induced him to study painting at the Gleyre studio when he went to Paris in 1862 for further medical studies. Here he met Monet, Renoir and Sisley. At Easter 1863 he painted with Monet at Fontainebleau, and again in June 1864 at Honfleur, where he met Boudin and Jongkind. He abandoned his medical studies. In 1865 he put up Monet at his studio in the Rue de Furstenberg, and in 1866 he exhibited at the Salon. He then shared a studio with Renoir in the Rue de la Visconti. He supported both Monet and Renoir, partly by buying their work.As a student in 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 was, however, primarily a figure painter rather than a landscapist, his best-known work being the large Family Reunion (Musee d'Orsay, Paris, 1867-68).
Bazille was killed in action during the Franco-Prussian War, cutting short a promising career. He came from a wealthy family and had given generous financial support to Monet and Renoir. As Bazille was only 29 years old when he was killed in the war, his œuvre is relatively small, including portraits of members of his family and friends in various studios. His still, clear landscapes and harmonious family scenes in muted colours make him one of the most important forerunners of Impressionism.
