Alexandre Cabanel

Alexandre Cabanel (1823, 1889) was a French Academic painter celebrated for his technically refined figurative works, mythological scenes, and society portraits. A product of the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts and a favorite of Napoleon III, his iconic 'Birth of Venus' (1863) became one of the most celebrated salon paintings of the 19th century. Cabanel's work commanded significant prices at auction, with his portraits and mythological compositions frequently appearing at major houses including Sotheby's and Christie's.