Auguste Bigand

1803 - 1875

Essentials

  • Nationality: France
  • Top-ranked work: Caravaggio in his studio.
  • Top 3 works: Caravaggio in his studio.
  • Born: 1803, Champlan, France
  • Copyright status: Public domain

The Life and Artistic Practice of Auguste Bigand

Born in Champlan, France, Auguste Bigand was a French painter who studied at the Beaux-Arts de Paris. During his education, he was a student of Pierre-Narcisse Guérin and Louis Hersent. His artistic journey included a period in Italy, where he reunited with Guérin. In 1827, he contributed to the execution of a large ceiling in the Palais du Louvre under the direction of Merry-Joseph Blondel.

Bigand was deeply connected to the city of Avignon, where he was integrated into local life and became a member of the Société savante l'Athénée de Vaucluse. He was also a teacher to the painter Émile Lambinet. Beyond his studio, he served as a municipal councilor and a captain of the National Guard. He made numerous donations to the Musée Calvet in Avignon, including a plaster bust of himself created by Dantan le jeune.

Themes and Subject Matter

The works of Auguste Bigand encompass a variety of genres, including religious subjects, portraits, still lifes, and genre scenes. He achieved notable success with ecclesiastical clientele, and many of his religious works were exhibited at the Salons. His portfolio includes diverse subjects such as:

His technical approach was noted by contemporary observers, such as Charles Baudelaire, who commented on his use of color in works like Les derniers instants de Néron.

Questions & Answers

What moods do Auguste Bigand's artworks express?

The artist's Mood Room page shows Auguste Bigand's artworks arranged by their atmosphere.

Where is Auguste Bigand from?

Auguste Bigand was born in France.

Is there an overview of all the subjects Auguste Bigand painted?

The Subject Atlas page maps Auguste Bigand's artworks by subject.

In which movements did Auguste Bigand work?

The movements Auguste Bigand worked in can be seen on the artist's All Movements page, which groups the artworks by movement.

Test your eye

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which city was Auguste Bigand born?
Question 2:
Which famous writer commented on Bigand's painting 'The Last Moments of Nero' in 1845?
Question 3:
To which museum did Bigand make numerous donations?
Question 4:
Who was Auguste Bigand's teacher at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris?
Question 5:
What was the occupation of Esprit Requien, a person Bigand was closely linked to?