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Monet, Claude Claude Monet (1840-1926) was a pioneering French painter and one of the founders of the Impressionist movement, a style that sought to capture the fleeting effects of light and colour. Born in 1840 in Paris, Monet's early years were spent in Le Havre, where he developed a love for drawing. He moved to Paris to pursue formal art training, where he befriended fellow artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Camille Pissarro. Monet's approach to painting was revolutionary. Rather than ...

Renoir, Pierre-Auguste Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), a central figure of the Impressionist movement, was born on 25th February 1841 in Limoges, France. His artistic journey began in the bustling streets of Paris, where he was influenced by the vibrant culture and emerging modernity of the city. Renoir initially trained as a porcelain painter, which honed his eye for colour and detail, however, he soon transitioned to painting, driven by a desire to capture the essence of life through art. Renoir's style ev...

Gauguin, Paul Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) was a French post-Impressionist painter known for his innovative use of colour and symbolism, which significantly influenced modern art. Born in Paris, Gauguin spent much of his childhood in Peru where he experienced a privileged childhood. Following financial struggles, he returned to France and received a formal education. Initially, he pursued a career as a stockbroker while practicing art as a hobby, however, following the financial crisis of 1882, he made a pivot...

Waterhouse, John William John William Waterhouse (1849-1917) was an English painter known for his captivating depictions of mythological and literary themes, which captured the Victorian fascination with the classical world. Born in Rome to English parents, Waterhouse was exposed to the rich artistic heritage of Italy from an early age, which significantly influenced his work. Waterhouse is perhaps best known for his Pre-Raphaelite style, characterised by vibrant colours, attention to detail and a romanticised portra...

Tissot, James Jacques Joseph Tissot (1836-1902), better known as James Tissot, was a prominent French painter and a notable figure in the art world of the late 19th century. Born in Nantes, France, he initially trained in the traditional techniques of painting before establishing himself in Paris, where he became associated with the avant-garde movements of his time. In 1871 he moved to London, where he found further success as an artist and began a relationship with Irishwoman, Kathleen Newton, who lived ...

Velázquez, Diego Diego Velázquez (1599-1660), born in Seville, remains one of the most revered Spanish painters of the Baroque era. His mastery of realism and innovative techniques significantly influenced the trajectory of Western art. Apprenticed at a young age, Velázquez quickly developed a distinctive style characterised by his keen observation of light and texture, which brought life to his subjects. In 1623, he was appointed court painter to King Philip IV, a position that allowed him to produce some of...

Toulouse-Lautrec, Henri de Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) was a French painter, printmaker and illustrator whose distinctive style and keen observations of nightlife have left an indelible mark on the art world. Despite his short stature, due to a medical condition, Toulouse-Lautrec's larger-than-life spirit and passion for art prevailed. Best known for his vivid depictions of the bustling cabarets and brothels of late 19th-century Paris, his works encapsulate the vibrant energy and complexities of modern li...

Sorolla, Joaquín Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923) was born in Valencia and emerged as one of Spain’s most celebrated painters, renowned for his luminous and dynamic style. His works predominantly showcase the Mediterranean landscapes, seaside scenes and the vibrant life of Spanish culture. Sorolla’s early artistic training began at the San Carlos Academy in Valencia, where he developed a deep appreciation for colour and light. Throughout his career, Sorolla’s paintings reflected a remarkable ability to capture the...

Rousseau, Henri Henri Rousseau (1844-1910) was born in Laval, France and was a self-taught painter and a significant figure in the realm of naïve art. Despite his humble beginnings, he developed a distinctive style that set him apart from his contemporaries. Rousseau worked as a customs officer for much of his life, painting in his spare time. His poignant creations were often overlooked during his lifetime, gaining recognition only posthumously. Rousseau’s artwork is characterised by vibrant colours, intric...

Seurat, Georges Georges Seurat (1859-1891), born in Paris, was a pioneering French painter known for his innovative technique of pointillism, which involves applying small dots of colour to create vibrant compositions. His meticulous approach to colour theory and light set him apart from his contemporaries and laid the groundwork for modern art. Seurat’s most celebrated work, 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte', created between 1884 and 1886, exemplifies his unique style. The painti...

Robinson, William Heath William Heath Robinson (1872-1944) was an English cartoonist, illustrator and literary figure renowned for his whimsical and fantastical illustrations. Born in London, he came from a family of artists; his brothers were also involved in the arts, which greatly influenced his creative development. Robinson's unique style blossomed in the early 20th century, vividly capturing the imagination of readers through his intricate illustrations and clever designs. Robinson gained prominence for hi...

Gris, Juan Juan Gris (1887-1927), born José Victoriano González-Pérez on March 23, 1887, in Madrid, Spain, was a pivotal figure in the development of Cubism. Initially studying engineering, Gris turned to art in 1904, studying under José Moreno Carbonero. By 1905 he adopted the name Juan Gris and he moved to Paris, where he became deeply involved in the avant-garde art scene. Gris's early works were influenced by the Fauvist movement, but he soon embraced Cubism, collaborating with and learning fro...

Munch, Edvard Edvard Munch (1863-1944) was a Norwegian painter and printmaker, renowned for his evocative and emotionally charged works. Born in 1863 in Loten, Norway, Munch's life was marked by tragedy from an early age, with the death of his mother and later his sister to tuberculosis. These personal losses deeply influenced his artistic vision, leading him to explore themes of anxiety, illness and death. Munch's early education in Christiania (now Oslo) and later studies at the Royal School of A...

Manet, Édouard Édouard Manet (1832-1883) was a pioneering French painter who played a crucial role in the transition from Realism to Impressionism in the 19th century, influencing the direction of modern art. Born in 1832 in Paris, Manet was the son of a high-ranking French civil servant. Despite his family's desire for him to pursue a career in law, Manet chose to follow his passion for art. Manet's early training included studies under the academic painter Thomas Couture and extensive visits to a...

Klee, Paul Paul Klee (1879-1940) was a Swiss German artist born in 1879 in Münchenbuchsee, Switzerland. He became one of the most influential figures in 20th-century art, known for his unique blend of abstraction and figuration. Klee's early exposure to music and art, his father's profession as a music teacher, and his mother's artistic leanings profoundly influenced his creative journey. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and later joined the influential Blaue Reiter group, wh...

Cézanne, Paul Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) is often hailed as one of the most influential painters in the history of modern art. Born in 1839 in Aix-en-Provence, France, Cézanne's work laid the foundation for the transition from 19th-century Impressionism to the radically different world of 20th-century Cubism. His innovative approach to form, colour and composition significantly influenced later artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Cézanne began his artistic journey in Paris, where he met and ...