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| Elizabeth Bouguereau |
Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau (1837-1922), second wife of the famous William Bouguereau, was in many ways a vanguard of the Paris Salon scene. She was one of the many Americans artists to make the voyage to Paris to study their trade after the Civil War. She was also instrumental in changing the Salon forever.
Paris was and has been the the capital of the art words for
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| 1887 "The Farmer's Daughter" |
centuries. Artists from around the world flocked to France to study art and become an accomplished and accepted artist. However, many art institutes and galleries did not accept female artists. Elizabeth Bouguereau sought to change this. Born in Rockingham New Hampshire in 1837, Elizabeth longed to become a famous artist. She found her chance in 1864 and set off to Paris. She "attended" the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts. Though the academy barred women admittance, Elizabeth refused to surrender, enrolling in private classes. Here she studied under the guidance and teachings of William Adolphe Bouguereau, one of the most beloved artists of the time (whom she would later wed). Elizabeth studied classic works as well as contemporary art in Paris, developing a large portfolio of work. Elizabeth's paintings were shown in 25 Paris Salons, and she won a bronze medal in the 1889 Exposition Universelle. But this did come easy.
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| "The Dove Fanciers" |
In 1879, Elizabeth became engaged to William Bouguereau (then married in 1896). William Bouguereau, whose influence had a strong impact on Elizabeth, painted neo-classical scenes of children and domestic life, celebrated by the public. Elizabeth persuaded her husband to use his power and influence as President of the Academy, Head of the Salon, and President of the Legion d'Honneur to allow women artists to be a part of the Salon. Elizabeth was a strong woman, and with her dedication and her husband's position, female artists began to get the credit they deserved. Elizabeth Bouguereau was one of the strongest forces behind the push for acceptance of female artists into the Salon, if not behind the scenes.
Though Elizabeth developed a grand collection of work, she is often criticized as having a style too similar to her husband and teacher, William Bouguereau; these criticisms began even in her own lifetime. To these claims Elizabeth said, "I know I am criticized for not more boldly asserting my individuality, but I would rather be known as the best imitator of Bouguereau than nobody!" This statement goes to show just how difficult it was for female artists to make a name for themselves. But thanks to Bouguereau, this is less true today. (For more information and gallery info, visit: http://www.artrenewal.org/pages/artist.php?artistid=372 ; http://www.nmwa.org/explore/artist-profiles/elizabeth-jane-gardner-bouguereau)
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| By Elizabeth Bouguereau |
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| By William Bouguereau |
the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts
the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts
Bouguereau
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