Frédéric Bazille forged close bonds with Monet, Renoir, and Sisley in the early stages of French Impressionism, before dying tragically in the Franco-Prussian War at age 29.
Frédéric Bazille forged close bonds with Monet, Renoir, and Sisley in the early stages of French Impressionism, before dying tragically in the Franco-Prussian War at age 29. Though his career was brief, Bazille produced innovative paintings Situated between Realism and nascent Impressionism through his adept plein air handling of landscape and figure subjects. Works like Family Reunion showcase Bazille’s ability to construct coherent multi-figure compositions with mosaic-like brushwork communicating dappled light filtered through foliage. Similarly Summer Scene captures the immediacy of working in natural outdoor light. Along with mentorship from Camille Pissarro, Bazille played a meaningful supportive role during Impressionism’s genesis before the movement achieved renown.