WOMAN IN ART
future work "The Horse Fair." She took those studies to him, requesting that the commission be given for that subject, but his preference and argument was in favor of the "Haymakers," for which he offered twenty thousand francs. But he did agree to her desire to paint "The Horse Fair" first. This was finished and exhibited at the Salon in 1853, and so great was its success that any canvas from the brush of Rosa Bonheur was not required to be passed upon by a jury. So great was the enthusiasm over the huge masterpiece that M. de Morny regretted he had not accepted that subject, and eventually requested the artist to substitute it for "The Haymakers." His offer came too late. The picture had just been sold to a London dealer for forty-nine thousand francs, the artist's own price. After two resales it found its way to America and glorified the private gallery of A. T. Stewart of New York. After the death of Mrs. Stewart, the painting had another monetary advance; Mr. W. K. Vanderbilt made it $53,000 and the Metropolitan Museum of Art became its permanent home.
It was while studying horses and cattle in market, slaughter houses, field and fair, that this dominant artist obtained permission to don male attire for both convenience and protection.
In appreciation of the woman whose achievements honored France and the world's womanhood, a member of the Academy has recorded an anecdote of interest. He writes:
"One morning a purchaser announced himself at the atelier of M. Dubuf (at that time an eminent portrait painter of France). The caller was an Englishman, a collector of Paul Potter canvases. He was anxious to acquire the picture of Mademoiselle Rosa, then on exhibition at the Salon and painted in collaboration. He asked M. Dubuf the price of the picture.
"'I have not the right to reply to your request at the moment,' said M. Dubuf. 'This work happens to have been painted in collaboration. I must ask my friend who painted the bull at what price he values it. I can only dispose of the figure of the woman.'
"'But if you will excuse me, it is the bull which pleases me,' exclaimed the amateur. 'Tell me the name of your collaborator, as I would like to treat with him personally.'
"'Why, then, my dear sir,' replied the other, 'you must see Mlle. Rosa Bonheur.'
"The client then sought out the painter of animals, but the great artist in her turn made objections.
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