Rehs Galleries - A Visual History JEAN FERDINAND CHAIGNEAU (1830-1906)    Le Jardin de l’artiste Oil on canvas 23 ½ x 32 inches Signed   Jean F. Chaigneau was born in Bordeaux on March 6, 1830. He entered the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1849, studying in the atelier of Picot and taking additional classes with Coignet and Jacques Raymond Brascassat (1804-1867). It was from his studies with Brascassat that his desire to paint landscapes and animals developed. After his failure at the Concours de Rome, in 1854, (winning only a third place medal) he turned his back on the academic tradition and by 1858 he had moved to Barbizon to be closer to Millet and nature. Here he met the artist Charles Jacque, who would have a impact on his choice of subject matter. Scenes in the forest of Fontainebleu, and flocks of sheep in the forest of Chailly were among his favorite and he soon earned the nickname the Raphael of Sheep – which brought him great success. Chaigneau made his debut at the Salon in 1848 with Souvenir des Environ de Bordeaux and would regularly send landscapes of Normandy, Auvergne and Limousin. In 1889 he exhibited a number of works at the Exposition Universelle where he received a bronze medal. Between 1868 and 1881 he exhibited in London. Along with his painting, Chaigneau practiced the art of etching and began exhibited these works at the Salon as early as 1864. In 1870 he began building The Pastoral, his home in Barbizon, where he would remain for the rest of his life. Examples of his work can be found in the museums in Amiens and Bordeaux. This essay is copyrighted by Rehs Galleries, Inc. and may not be reproduced or transmitted without written permission from Rehs Galleries, Inc.   Please remember that all works illustrated below have been SOLD. Click on any image to enlarge it and see more information about the work