Marie Louise Catherine Breslau Paintings

Marie Louise Catherine Breslau, born on December 6, 1856, in Munich, Germany, was a significant artist of her time, known for her detailed and sensitive portraiture, as well as genre scenes and interior paintings. Despite her German origins, Breslau spent the majority of her career in France and became the third woman artist to be awarded the Legion of Honor.

Breslau moved to Switzerland with her family when she was a child. After initially studying art in Zurich, she moved to Paris in 1876 to continue her education at the Académie Julian, a progressive art school where women were allowed to study. There, she became a student of William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Tony Robert-Fleury. Breslau quickly distinguished herself as a talented artist and formed close friendships with other women artists, such as the sculptor Louise Abbéma and the American painter Mary Cassatt.

Her early work was characterized by delicate realism and attention to detail, and she often depicted the people in her immediate social circle, including her close friend Madeleine Zillhardt, who was also her lifelong companion. Breslau's work was well-received and she began exhibiting at the Paris Salon in 1879, gaining recognition and accolades. Her painting 'Les deux amies' (The Two Friends) won a gold medal at the 1881 Salon, which established her reputation.

Breslau continued to work and exhibit throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, although she never achieved the same level of fame as some of her contemporaries. Her style evolved over the years, reflecting the influence of Impressionism and later, a looser, more expressive approach to her subjects.

Despite her success in France, Breslau never forgot her Swiss roots, and she played a significant role in the Swiss art scene, contributing to its development and international reputation. In later years, she also became a mentor to younger artists and was known for her generous support of emerging talent.

Marie Louise Catherine Breslau died on May 22, 1927, in Paris. Her legacy is preserved in the form of her art, which is held in various museum collections and continues to be appreciated for its emotional depth and technical mastery.