A Storm of Horses
by Ruth Sanderson (Author)
An inspiring picture book about Rosa Bonheur, the most famous female painter of her century, published to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the artist's birth In a stunning ode to underrepresented women everywhere.
Rosa Bonheur was born in 1822 in France at a time when young women had limited options beyond being a wife and mother. But Rosa wouldn't stand for this. She wore pants, rode horses astride, and often broke society's rules. She wanted to be a famous painter just like her father. Female artists at the time were encouraged to paint domestic scenes of children and family, but Rosa was determined to capture the unbridled wild beauty of horses. Her masterpiece The Horse Fair was eight feet high and sixteen feet wide. Rosa went on to become the most celebrated artist of her time with paintings purchased by art collectors, museums, and galleries around the world.
With the decline in popularity of realistic painting, Rosa's trailblazing story was almost forgotten. Revel at the bravery and fortitude of young Rosa as you take in Ruth Sanderson's immaculate rendition of her life and artistry.
Locate at a Library Near You WorldCat is the world's largest library catalog, helping you find library materials online.
Find books about:
Publishers Weekly
Sanderson illuminates the life of 19th-century French animalière Marie-Rosalie "Rosa" Bonheur (1822-1899) in this feminist picture book, following Bonheur's lifelong love of portraying horses, which involved sketching "the muscles of animals in a local slaughterhouse" and moving into a studio with a stable. Sanderson imbues the straightforward text with a clear sense of process: "After transferring her design, Rosa drew out the basic outlines with burnt red ochre oil paint." Two particularly engrossing spreads showcase a mural-size painting in progress, and textured oil illustrations envisage Bonheur's story of determination in a realistic style richly evocative of the subject's own. Back matter includes detailed information on Bonheur, her life, and her art. Ages 6-12. (Feb.)
Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
Gr 3-8--Sanderson tells the anachronistic story of the life and work of French artist, Rosa Bonheur. Bonheur was born to parents Sophie and Raymond in 1822. Her father, an artist, delighted in her vibrant personality and artistic abilities. Facing the gender inequalities of her time, Bonheur was often taunted by men and boys who felt ladies had no place among the animals and wildlife she so loved. She overcame this to become one of the greatest realistic painters of her time. Sanderson's oil painting illustrations bring Bonheur and her experiences to life. The level of detail on each page allows readers to immerse themselves into the world of the French painter. The concise and informative writing style will please any biography lover. Sanderson addresses Bonheur's sexuality swiftly in the back matter. VERDICT An engrossing and stunning biography of a feminist and LGBTQIA+ icon who deserves more accolades and adoration than evident to present day; especially recommended for art or women's history students.--Brittany McMahon
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JNF006040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Art | History
JNF007120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Women
JNF003110 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Horses
Painters
Women artists
Bonheur, Rosa
Painting, French
Woman painters
Nineteenth century
