The Horse Fair

Artwork Details

About This Artwork

A monumental panorama depicting the Paris horse market with breathtaking energy and anatomical precision. Bonheur spent months sketching at the actual market, wearing men's clothing (requiring police permission) to move freely. The dynamic composition of rearing horses and their handlers demonstrates her unparalleled understanding of animal anatomy and movement. The painting's ambitious scale and powerful execution challenged assumptions about women's capabilities in creating large-scale works. It became one of the most celebrated paintings of the 19th century, touring internationally and establishing Bonheur as the most famous woman artist of her era.