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Rosa Bonheur: A Legacy Revealed in the Hands of Christie’s and on the Big Screen
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Cyril CH
- Catégories: Auction,Culture,Featured English
Mise à jour 21 mai 2024 par Redak
In the teeming world of art, certain treasures seem to be waiting for the right moment to resurface and dazzle the world. This is the case of a previously unpublished pastel by Rosa Bonheur, an emblematic figure of animal and feminist painting before the 19th century. This masterpiece, which has long remained in the shadows within a private French collection, is now ready to captivate attention during an auction scheduled for March 20 at Christie’s in Paris, on the sidelines of the Salon du drawing.
A Hidden Treasure of Rosa Bonheur Resurfaces in Paris
Rosa Bonheur, born in 1822 and died in 1899, is celebrated today for her exceptional talent and daring. The work in the spotlight, produced in 1896, bears witness to his significant meeting with Buffalo Bill during the Universal Exhibition of 1889. According to Hélène Rihal, director of the department of old and 19th century drawings at Christie’s Paris, this pastel, entitled “Study for the emigration of bison” is a revelation. Measuring 94 cm long by 57 cm wide, it is probably the largest known drawing by the artist, estimated between 100,000 and 150,000 euros.
The Historical Meeting That Inspired the Work
The genesis of this work of art is located in a fascinating historical context, marked by the meeting of Rosa Bonheur with the icon of the American West, Buffalo Bill. This interaction not only enriched Bonheur’s creative universe but also influenced his artistic approach, as evidenced by the majesty and dynamism captured in the movement of the bison.
Exceptional Provenance: From Albert Soubise to Today
Originally acquired by Albert Soubise, an art collector, lawyer, music critic and author contemporary of Rosa Bonheur, this pastel has been passed down through the generations, keeping both its historical and artistic value intact. His reappearance on the public scene is a major event for art connoisseurs and enthusiasts.
“Study for the emigration of bison”: A Pastel of Record
The estimate of this piece between 100,000 and 150,000 euros underlines not only its exceptional quality but also the importance of Rosa Bonheur in the history of art. This pastel could attract the attention of museums around the world, eager to enrich their collection of works signed by women artists.
Museums’ Craze for Female Artists
The growing interest of museum institutions in the works of female artists reflects a paradigm shift in the art world. In the United States, in particular, this trend is increasingly marked, with Rosa Bonheur featuring prominently among the sought-after artists.
Rosa Bonheur: A Rising Rating
The value of Rosa Bonheur’s work on the art market continues to grow. In 2019, a painting also representing bison was sold for $700,000, demonstrating the enthusiasm for his work. Its critical and commercial re-evaluation is a phenomenon that is gaining momentum, driven by retrospectives and impressive sales.
A Posthumous Renaissance at the Musée d’Orsay and in Bordeaux
The rediscovery of Rosa Bonheur accelerated thanks to retrospectives at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Bordeaux and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris in 2022. These exhibitions contributed to reaffirming her place in the history of art, the emerging from the shadows to which she had been relegated despite her undisputed success during her lifetime.
From Icon to Screen: Mélanie Laurent Will Incarnate Bonheur
The life and work of Rosa Bonheur are not limited to museum walls; they are preparing to conquer the big screen. A biopic, directed by French writer and director Fabienne Berthaud, will see Mélanie Laurent take on the role of this exceptional artist. Scheduled for 2025, this film promises to immerse audiences in the world of this pioneer, whose talent and determination continue to inspire well beyond artistic circles.
The legacy of Rosa Bonheur, in the expert hands of Christie’s and soon immortalized by Mélanie Laurent, promises to revive interest in this extraordinary artist, whose work spans the centuries with intact strength and relevance.
