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Louise BreslauSwiss artist of German origin.
Date of Birth: 06.12.1856
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
Biography of Louise Breslau
Louise Breslau was a Swiss artist of German origin, born in the mid-19th century. She began drawing from a young age while being confined to her bed due to illness. Despite being one of the most prominent portraitists of her time, she was almost forgotten after her death.
Early Life and Education
Louise Breslau was born into a wealthy family and spent her childhood in Zurich, Switzerland. Her father was a renowned gynecologist and in 1858, he became a professor and head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Zurich. The family settled in Switzerland, but tragedy struck in 1866 when Professor Breslau unexpectedly died from a staphylococcal infection he acquired during an autopsy.
After her father's death, Louise was sent to a women's school on Lake Constance in the hope that it would alleviate her asthma. It is believed that her talent for art was awakened during her time at the school. During the late 19th century, it was customary for young women from affluent families to receive a home education, which included drawing and playing the piano. These activities were seen as suitable for a respectable wife and mother.
Artistic Career
Louise Breslau took drawing lessons from Swiss artist Eduard Pfyffer (1836-1899), and by 1874, she realized that she needed to leave Switzerland if she wanted to pursue her dream of becoming a professional artist. At that time, one of the few places where women could receive artistic education was the Académie Julian in Paris.
At the Academy, Breslau caught the attention of her teachers and sparked envy among some of her fellow students, such as Maria Bashkirtseff. In 1879, Louise became the only female student at the Académie Julian to be allowed to debut at the Paris Salon. Soon after, she changed her name to Louise Catherine, opened her own studio, and became a regular participant and medalist at the annual Salon. Her success and favorable reviews from critics earned her numerous commissions from wealthy Parisians. She later became the third woman and the first foreigner to be awarded the Order of the Legion of Honour. Over time, Louise gained recognition from prominent figures such as Edgar Degas and Anatole France, who sat for her portrait.
Personal Life and Later Years
Madeline Zillhardt played a significant role in Louise's life. They lived together for nearly forty years, and Madeline, who was Louise's classmate, became her muse and model. During World War I, Breslau and Zillhardt continued living in their home in the suburbs of Paris. Despite her German origins, Breslau remained loyal to France and painted numerous portraits of French soldiers heading to the front. After the war, Breslau withdrew from public life, focusing on painting still lifes of flowers from her garden.
Louise Breslau passed away in 1927 after a long and debilitating illness. The majority of her estate, as per her bequest, was inherited by Madeline Zillhardt. Louise Breslau was laid to rest next to her mother in the small town of Baden, Switzerland.
