The
Family Reunion painting by
Jean Frederic Bazille is a seminal work of Impressionist art, completed in 1867. This large oil on canvas painting measures 152cms x 230cms and is housed at the
Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France.
Background and Significance
The painting depicts an extended family gathering at Bazille's family estate in Méric, near Montpellier, during the summer of 1867. The scene is set under a large tree on the terrace, which filters the sunlight, allowing for sophisticated light and shadow effects. The strong contrasts between the bright colors of the landscape and sky versus the shaded areas under the tree create a visually striking image.
Scene and Composition
The painting features ten extended family members, including
Jean Frederic Bazille himself, who is positioned on the far left. The figures are stiffly posed and look towards the viewer as if being photographed. This aspect is particularly interesting given that Bazille's brother Marc married Suzanne Tissié around this time, suggesting that the painting may have been a way for Frédéric to record the family gathering after the wedding.
Figures in the Painting
The figures in the painting include:
- Jean Frederic Bazille himself, positioned on the far left
- His uncle by marriage, Gabriel des Hours-Farel, standing next to him
- His mother, Camille, and father, Gaston, seated on a bench
- His aunt, Élisa des Hours-Farel, and her daughter Juliette Thérèse, at the table
- His cousin Thérèse Teulon-Valio and her husband Emile, standing by the tree trunk
- Marc Bazille, Frédéric's brother, with his wife Suzanne Tissié and sister Suzanne, on the right side of the painting
Artistic Style and Influence
Jean Frederic Bazille's style in
Family Reunion reflects his affinity for painting in the light of Southern France. The peaceful atmosphere, despite the lack of interaction among the figures, is characteristic of Impressionist art. For more information on Impressionist paintings and artists, visit: https://ArtsDot.com/ADC/Art.nsf/Art_EN?Open&Query=jean+frederic+bazille+s,jean,frederic,bazille&
and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric_Bazille.
At
ArtsDot, we offer high-quality handmade oil painting reproductions of famous artworks, including the
Family Reunion by
Jean Frederic Bazille.
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The
Musée d'Orsay website also provides valuable information on the painting: https://www.musee-orsay.fr/fr/oeuvres/reunion-de-famille-59.
Jean Frederic Bazille's
Family Reunion is a significant work in the history of Impressionism, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing light and shadow. The painting's composition and style have influenced many other artists.