French painter and one of the original pioneers of the Impressionist movement. His early works were typically Impressionist depictions of real life, full of bright colours and light. By the mid-1880s, however, he had broken with the movement to apply a more disciplined, formal technique to portraits and figure paintings, particularly of women (i.e. Bathers, 1887).
In 1854 he began work as a painter in a porcelain factory in Paris, gaining experience with the light, fresh colors that were to distinguish his Impressionist work and also learning the importance of good craftsmanship. He is still remembered with his impressionist works.