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.
