Summer Scene, Bathers (1869)

Frédéric Bazille (1841-1870)

Doesn’t this scene make you want to hit the gym in preparation for swimsuit season?

Bazille was born to upper-middle class family in Montpellier, France. His father was a rich landowner and wine producer.

In 1862, he moved to Paris to study to be a doctor, but spent most of his time at the École des Beaux-Arts where he painted and hung out with Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Émile Zola and Alfred Sisley.

His work was inspired by the paintings Gustave Courbet and Édouard  Manet.

Bazille is a relatively unknown and underappreciated figure.

Self Portrait 1866

He was killed in battle during the Franco-Prussian War. He was just 28-years-old when he was taken, bringing his promising career to an abrupt and tragic end.

He is currently the subject of Frédéric Bazille And The Birth Of Impressionism at The National Gallery in Washington, DC, up until July 9.

Bazille’s Studio; 9 Rue de la Condamine (1870), Manet. From left to right: Renoir sitting, Zola (standing on the stairs), Manet and Monet (with the hat) next to Bazille, talking about one of his paintings.