The Resume

(October 4, 1814-January 20, 1875)
Born in Gruchy, France
Founder of the Barbizon School of painters
Known for scenes of peasants
Notable works include 'The Sower' (1850), 'Harvesters Resting (Ruth and Boaz)' (1853), 'The Gleaners' (1857) and 'The Angelus' (1859)

Why he might be annoying:

For much of his career, he had to paint signs to make ends meet.
His focus on peasants and workers led to accusations that he was a socialist and revolutionary.
One biographer described him as 'curiously ambivalent' towards the peasants he depicted, noting 'He tended to look upon farm workers as narrow-minded and oblivious of beauty.'

Why he might not be annoying:

Although he grew up as a farm laborer, he studied Latin and literature with a parish priest and was considered one of the best educated artists of his generation.
He said, 'I must confess, even if you think me a socialist, that the human side of art is what touches me most.'
His works grew increasingly popular over the years, leading to his being named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor (1868).
He influenced Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet and Georges Seurat.

Credit: C. Fishel

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• 19th Century Painters
• Breeders [Have 5 or More Kids] (Ranked: 9)
• C. Fishel's Profiles [Series 37]
• I am a Citizen of France
• Look at Me, My Picture Is Art
• Painters
• Profiles 31501-31750 (Ranked: 31515)

Year In Review:

In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 15 Votes: 46.67% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 7 Votes: 28.57% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 12 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 10 Votes: 80.0% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying