Château Rosa Bonheur: A Feminist Icon's Legacy Revived
Rosa Bonheur (Bordeaux, 1822 – Thomery, 1899), a celebrated animal painter from the 19th century, is experiencing a revival as we mark her bicentennial. The Château Rosa Bonheur in Thomery, a 15th-century estate revitalized by Katherine Brault since 2017, has earned the title "Maison des Illustres." In 2019, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron visited, leading to funding for various acquisitions and events. Bonheur was the first female recipient of the Legion of Honour from Empress Eugénie and welcomed prominent figures such as Victor Hugo and Buffalo Bill. Brault uncovered a hidden photographic lab that assists in recreating lost artworks. The exhibition "Le Musée des oeuvres disparues" runs until September 1, 2022, showcasing around one hundred unpublished pieces. Additional exhibitions are at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux (May 18–September 18, 2022) and Musée d'Orsay (October 17, 2022–January 15, 2023). Brault intends to introduce a treehouse room and a rose garden.
Key facts
- Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899) was a renowned animal painter and feminist icon.
- Château Rosa Bonheur in Thomery was her home for 40 years.
- Katherine Brault bought the château in 2017 and restored it.
- The château received Macron's visit in 2019, unlocking public funding.
- Bonheur was the first woman to receive the Legion of Honour.
- A secret photo lab helped rediscover lost works.
- Exhibition 'Le Musée des oeuvres disparues' runs until Sept 1, 2022.
- Bicentennial shows at Bordeaux and Musée d'Orsay in 2022–2023.
Entities
Artists
- Rosa Bonheur
- Anna Klumpke
- Nadar
Institutions
- Château Rosa Bonheur
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux
- Musée d'Orsay
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Maison des Illustres
- Département Seine-et-Marne
Locations
- Bordeaux
- France
- Thomery
- Paris
- Fontainebleau
- New York
- United States