Percival Leonard Rosseau Paintings

Percival Leonard Rosseau was an American painter known for his work depicting sporting dogs and game birds in their natural habitats. Born on October 21, 1859, in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, Rousseau's early life in the rural South exposed him to the outdoor scenes he would later feature prominently in his artwork. He developed an early interest in art, but initially pursued a career in business following his family's wishes.

After a brief business career and a series of personal tragedies, including the death of his young wife and child, Rousseau decided to commit to his passion for art. He began his formal art education in Europe, studying in Paris at the Académie Julian under the tutelage of artists like William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Tony Robert-Fleury. Rousseau was heavily influenced by the Barbizon school and the Impressionists, which is evident in his textured brushwork and emphasis on light.

Rousseau returned to the United States and settled in North Carolina, where he continued to paint while also engaging in hunting and outdoor life, which greatly influenced his subject matter. His works often feature pointers, setters, and other hunting dogs in the midst of a hunt, as well as detailed depictions of birds such as quails and woodcocks. Rousseau's paintings are celebrated for their realism and his ability to capture the intensity of the hunt and the nuanced behavior of the dogs.

Throughout his career, Rousseau received considerable recognition. His work was exhibited at the Paris Salon, the National Academy of Design in New York, and the Boston Art Club, among other venues. Today, his paintings can be found in the collections of various museums, including the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Percival Leonard Rosseau passed away on September 11, 1937, in Tryon, North Carolina. His legacy endures through his contributions to American sporting art, where he is remembered as a master of capturing the dynamic relationship between humans, animals, and the natural environment.