Roman Girl at a Fountain

In 1957, Bonnat, after having been taught in Madrid and Paris, won second-place in the Prix de Rome competition for his painting "Resurrection of Lazarus". His early subjects were often religious, although he also painted scenes from the Near East and Italian life. By the 1870s, he became well-known as a portraitist often sought after by the establishment in both Europe and America. His portraits emphasized the sitter's dignity, and cultivated the importance of the individual. By 1865, he was teaching, and ran a busy studio for over 30 years. Comment on works: Portraits