The American Friends of the Château de Rosa Bonheur

Historical Background of the Organization

Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur, was founded following the purchase of the Château de Rosa Bonheur, also known as the Château de By, by the Brault family in 2017. The château, located in Thomery, France, served as Bonheur’s residence for the last 40 years of her life, and its acquisition marked the beginning of a new era in the preservation of the artist’s heritage. Upon acquiring the property, the Brault family discovered thousands of archival documents in the château’s attic, many of which had been untouched for over a century. These documents included personal letters, sketches, financial records, and other invaluable materials that shed light on Bonheur’s life, work, and influence.

Recognizing the importance of these discoveries, the Brault family and the organization sought to create an environment where scholars, particularly from the United States, could engage in rigorous research on these newly unearthed documents. The historical link between Rosa Bonheur and the United States, where many of her works are held in private collections or sold through auction houses, further motivated the establishment of the AFCRB. The organization’s founders recognized the need to bridge the gap between French and American art scholarship, encouraging transatlantic collaboration to ensure a comprehensive understanding of Bonheur’s artistic contributions.

Mission and Objectives

The core mission of the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur is to preserve and promote the artistic legacy of Rosa Bonheur. As an organization, it seeks to raise awareness of Bonheur’s work, ensure her rightful place in art history, and foster greater public understanding of her contributions to the development of animal painting, realism, and the broader art community.

To achieve these goals, the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur focuses on four key objectives:

1. Restoration: The organization is committed to restoring both Rosa Bonheur’s works and her former home, the Château de Rosa Bonheur, as her workshop, her study room and what makes up its museum. This involves the meticulous conservation of her paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well as the preservation of the château itself, which stands as a testament to her life and creative process. Restoration efforts ensure that future generations can experience Bonheur’s work in its original context and condition.

2. Acquisition: One of the central aims of the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur is to acquire as many of Bonheur’s works as possible, particularly those that have been sold by private collectors. Many of her pieces, including lesser-known works and studies, have appeared on the American art market in recent years. By acquiring these works, the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur ensures they are properly authenticated, studied, and ultimately made available to the public. This also helps enrich the archives at the Château de Rosa Bonheur, creating a comprehensive collection that can support future exhibitions and research.

3. Research: Research is a fundamental aspect of the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur’s mission. By hosting American research students and scholars at the château, the organization creates an environment conducive to academic exchange and the development of new perspectives on Bonheur’s work. The archival documents discovered in the château’s attic provide a wealth of material for scholars to explore, and the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur aims to facilitate and support this research by offering access to the château’s collections and resources. Additionally, the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur supports efforts to compile a complete catalogue raisonné of Bonheur’s works, a critical tool for scholars, curators, and collectors from all over the world.

4. Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation, in the context of the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur’s mission, refers to the broader restoration and revitalization of Bonheur’s legacy. This involves not only physical restoration but also the intellectual and cultural rehabilitation of her place in art history. By promoting Bonheur’s work through conferences, exhibitions, scientific publications and public programs, the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur seeks to ensure that her contributions are fully recognized and appreciated by contemporary audiences.

Past and Present Activities

Since its establishment, Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur, has been actively involved in a variety of projects aimed at fulfilling its mission. The organization has supported numerous research initiatives, allowing scholars to delve into the newly discovered archival materials at the château with the help of the French Heritage society. These documents have provided fresh insights into Bonheur’s life, including her relationships with contemporaries, her financial dealings, and her artistic process. This research has been instrumental in shaping the current understanding of Bonheur’s work and influence.

In addition to research, Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur has organized several exhibitions showcasing Bonheur’s work. These exhibitions have traveled between France and the United States, further strengthening the cultural ties between the two countries and introducing new audiences to Bonheur’s art. The organization has also been involved in organizing conferences and masterclasses, bringing together art historians, curators, and students to discuss Bonheur’s legacy and explore new avenues of research.

Restoration efforts have been another key focus of the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur’s activities. The organization has overseen the restoration of several of Bonheur’s paintings, as well as the ongoing preservation of the Château de Rosa Bonheur. These efforts ensure that both the artist’s works and her living environment are preserved for future generations to study and appreciate.

Future Activities and Vision

Looking ahead, the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur has ambitious plans to continue expanding its activities and reach. One of the organization’s primary goals is to complete the catalogue raisonné of Rosa Bonheur’s works, which will serve as a definitive reference for scholars and collectors alike. This project will require extensive research, as well as the acquisition and authentication of additional works by Bonheur.

The Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur also plans to expand its educational programming, with a particular focus on engaging younger audiences. This includes developing workshops and masterclasses for art students, as well as creating digital resources that make Bonheur’s work and legacy accessible to a global audience. The organization aims to leverage technology to create virtual exhibitions and online archives, allowing people from around the world to explore Bonheur’s art and the château’s collections.

Another important aspect of the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur’s future activities is the continued restoration of the Château de Rosa Bonheur. The organization is committed to preserving this historic site as a living museum, where visitors can experience the environment in which Bonheur lived and worked. In addition to physical restoration, the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur plans to expand the château’s public programming, offering educational workshops, and artist residencies.

Finally, the Les Amis du Château de Rosa Bonheur will continue to promote transatlantic collaboration by hosting American scholars and artists at the château. This exchange of ideas will help foster a deeper understanding of Bonheur’s work and contribute to the ongoing study of her artistic legacy. The organization also plans to strengthen its partnerships with museums, universities, and cultural institutions in both France and the United States, creating new opportunities for collaboration and engagement.

Establishment of “American Friends of the Château de Rosa Bonheur (AFCRB)”

The American Friends of the Château de Rosa Bonheur (AFCRB) is a vital organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and expanding the legacy of the 19th-century artist Rosa Bonheur. Since its inception, the AFCRB has focused on fostering collaboration between American and French researchers to deepen the understanding of Bonheur’s work and ensure its continued appreciation on both sides of the Atlantic. The organization’s mission centers around four primary pillars: restoration, acquisition, research, and rehabilitation, all of which contribute to the broader goal of safeguarding the legacy of one of the most influential female artists of her time.

Conclusion

The American Friends of the Château de Rosa Bonheur plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the legacy of Rosa Bonheur. Through its focus on restoration, acquisition, research, and rehabilitation, the organization is ensuring that Bonheur’s contributions to the art world are recognized and appreciated by future generations. As the AFCRB continues to expand its activities, it remains committed to fostering transatlantic collaboration and ensuring that Bonheur’s work is accessible to a global audience. By supporting research, exhibitions, and educational programs, the AFCRB is helping to secure Rosa Bonheur’s place in art history and ensure that her legacy endures for centuries to come.