Alexandre Cabanel, French academic painter. He was born on 28 september 1823 and he died on 23 January 1889. One of the most important artists of his time, very popular among the aristocrats and the kings and queens, for which he painted many comisions.
He won the renowned Prix de Rome in 1845, so he perfected his training in Italy, being influenced by the Italian masters. The most successful and influential academic painter of his time, he was also an opponent of the avangarde and especially of the impressionists.
The Birth of Venus, Musee d'Orsay
His most famous work, The Birth of Venus, is typical for his style and was bought by Napoleon III, which in short time will give Cabanel many prestigious commissions, most of them from the aristocrats.
He was also professor and a member of the jury of the Salon, and he received the Legion d’honneur.
