François Bonvin

Born in Paris, to quite a poor family. His mother died when he was four years old and his stepmother proved to be quite abusive. He started drawing at an early age and his talent was recognised by a friend of the family who paid for him to attend drawing classes as a child. This only lasted two years so as a result he remained mostly self-taught. He spent most of his free time at the Louvre where a collector welcomed him. He exhibited at a Salon in 1949 and was awarded a third place medal. His work had elements in common with Courbet and was well received by the public. His subjects were still life and everyday activities of common folk. He went blind following an operation in 1881. He died in 1887.