Léonide Bourges: A Trailblazing French Painter of the 19th Century
Léonide Pauline Élise Bourges (1838–1909) was a distinguished French artist renowned for her still lifes, genre scenes, and landscapes. Born in Paris, she was the daughter of an art dealer, which provided her with early exposure to the art world. She studied under notable artists such as Théodore Frédéric Salmon, Pierre-Édouard Frère, and Charles-François Daubigny, who became a close friend and significant influence on her work.
(Self-Portrait Leonide Bourges at Musee Daubigny)
Bourges made her debut at the Paris Salon in 1857 with a still life painting. Influenced by Camille Corot, she embraced plein air painting, capturing the natural beauty of the French countryside. In 1874, she settled in Auvers-sur-Oise, a village that attracted many artists, including Vincent van Gogh. There, she became part of a vibrant artistic community and frequently painted alongside her mentors and peers.
Throughout her career, Bourges exhibited widely, including at the Paris Salons and international venues such as London in 1878. Her works are held in several public collections, including the Musée Daubigny in Auvers-sur-Oise and the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Reims. Notable pieces include "Pommiers en fleurs" and "Petite fille mangeant sa soupe."
(Leonide Bourges, frère et sœur sur la route du village)
Beyond her artistic contributions, Bourges was instrumental in honoring her contemporaries. Following Daubigny's death, she organized a subscription to erect a monument in his memory, selling some of his works to fund the project. She passed away in Auvers-sur-Oise in 1909 and is buried in the local cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence and dedication to the arts.
We’re pleased to offer a lovely painting by Léonide Bourges, available for sale.