Biography

Bastien-Lepage's paintings of rural people in an earthy tonal style inspired many late nineteenth-century British painters, especially the so-called Glasgow Boys. His own work was influenced by the realist painters, such as Courbet and Millet, and also by Manet in his free handling of paint. The perceived sentimental character of his paintings contributed to their popularity. The majority were based in and around Damvillers, in the Meuse district of north-eastern France, where Bastien-Lepage spent most of his short life.