Timeline

1827

Breton was born on May 1st to a prominent family in the small village of Courrières in the Artois region of northern France

1837

Breton was sent to school at a Catholic seminary, and three years later to the college of Douai, where he received a classical education. It was his first opportunity to study drawing.

1843

In the summer of 1843, he so impressed the Belgian artist, Felix de Vigne with his portraits and sketches after nature, that the artist invited Breton to study with him in his studio as well as at the Royal Academy in Ghen

1852

Focused his attention on landscape painting in the environs of Paris.

1861

Named a Chevalier of the Legion d’honneur

1867

Promoted to officer of the same order

1872

Awarded the Medal of Honor

1886

His election to the Institut de France solidified his status as one of the most respected painters of his day.

1886

This same year his painting, The Communicants, sold at auction in New York for $45,000—the highest price paid for the work of a living artist with the exception of a painting by Meissonier.

1906

Died in Paris on July 4th