French artist Rosa Bonheur was born on this day in 1822. One of the most famous female painters of h

French artist Rosa Bonheur was born on this day in 1822. One of the most famous female painters of her day, she was known primarily for her realistic depictions of animals. She would regularly exhibit and win numerous awards at the Paris Salon from 1841 to 1855, and her work quickly gained popularity around the world. Bonheur’s success provided her not only with economic independence but the freedom to act as she wanted, which included dressing like a man during a time that women would be arrested for indecency if they wore pants. At the time, women were often only reluctantly educated as artists, and her success helped to open doors to the women artists that followed her.“Barbaro after the Hunt,” around 1858, by Rosa Bonheur -- source link

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