Louise Abbema (1853 - 1927)

Louise Abbema

Louise Abbéma was a French painter, sculptor, and designer, celebrated for her work during the Belle Époque. Born in Étampes in 1853 into an affluent Parisian family, she became well known for her portraits, particularly of the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt, and for decorative panels commissioned for various public buildings in Paris and the Palace of the Governor in Dakar, Senegal​​.

Abbéma's art often depicted the upper echelons of French society and reflected the Impressionist style through her light and rapid brushstrokes. She was also notable for her involvement in the women's movement, where she contributed to the emerging image of the 'New Woman' by portraying androgynous figures and themes of intellectualism and freedom​.

Among her many honors, Abbéma was awarded the Palme Academiques in 1887, nominated as the Official Painter of the Third Republic, and in 1906, she became a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. Her works, such as "Lunch in the Greenhouse" and "Portrait of Sarah Bernhardt," have seen a resurgence in popularity as the contribution of women to historical art gains more recognition.

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