1.05.1827 – 5.07.1906

Idyllic scenes of rural life, executed in a realistic manner – the main line of creativity of the famous French painter Jules Breton. His works are imbued with love for his native land, respect for his traditions.

Jules Breton was born on May 1, 1827 in the family of a manager of a large estate. The boy lost his mother early, she died when he was only 4 years old. Jules and his younger brother were raised by their father and grandmother on the maternal side. In 1842, the talent of the youngster saw the artist Felix de Vin, who persuaded the family of Jules Breton to let him go to Ghent to study art.

Under the influence of Felix de Vin, Breton paints pictures primarily on historical subjects, and these paintings are a success. However, in 1852, after returning to his homeland, the young painter understands that he is most worried and inspired by simple rural life, the everyday life of peasants and the nature of the French province. In 1853 he exhibited “Return from the harvest”, this work shocked the contemporaries of the artist with its simplicity and at the same time refinement and brought success to the author. Jules Breton receives many orders, including state orders, in 1857 he wins a medal at the Paris Salon, where he exhibited the painting “The Blessing of Wheat.” In 1858, the artist married Elodi de Vin, the daughter of his teacher.

His fame did not cease to grow – in 1870-1890 the master works a lot, paintings and prints from Jules Breton’s paintings are adorned by many museums of the world and private collections. The Brooklyn Museum acquired from the artist the work of 1886 “The End of the Working Day”. The poetic image of female figures in the rays of the setting sun made a great impression on the American public. Breton’s fame in those years underscores the case described in Irving Stone’s book The Thirst for Life, when a young Van Gogh, having barely reached the artist’s studio, did not dare to disturb such an eminent painter.

Jules Breton died in Paris on July 5, 1906 at the age of 79 years.