Frederic Bazille (1841-1870)

Bazille, one of the founding members of the Impressionist movement was born into a wealthy family of wine producers in Montpelier, France. In 1862, he began to study medicine in Paris. At the same time, he started to attend art lessons with the Swiss painter, Charles Gleyre, who later became known for his role as the teacher of the leading Impressionists. Bazille was then introduced to Renoir, Monet, and Sisley. Through them he met Manet and worked with the Impressionists at Honfleur, in 1864 and later in 1863 at Barbizon. He abandoned his medical studies in 1865. Bazille was well read and cultured. As he was financially more secure than his friends, he often gave them material support and shared his studio with Monet and Renoir. Bazille usually took the main financial responsibility of paying the rent. He was exceptionally generous to Monet and was an ardent supporter of his work. When Monet was in dire financial straits, Bazille bought one of his paintings and tried to help sell others.

Though poles apart, Monet and Bazille were able to develop a fruitful, though slightly competitive partnership. They shared several Paris studios, traveled together, and maintained a lively correspondence. In August of 1870, following France's declaration of war against Prussia, Bazille enlisted. On November 28th, Bazille was killed in a minor skirmish in Burgandy. He was 29 years old.