ROSES, GRAPES, JEWELLERY BOX AND MEDIEVAL GOBLET

Painter of landscapes and still lifes with flowers and fruit. Orientalist.

Jean-Baptiste Robie was self-taught. He made his debut as a painter of realism. Little by little, his palette lightened and he gave more atmosphere to his works. He specialised in still lifes with flowers, objects and fruit. He travelled to Upper Egypt, Syria, Italy, Spain, England and Palestine. He published travel accounts and, in 1866, “Les débuts d’un peintre”, a partly autobiographical work.

Robie was held in high esteem for his rich palette and his meticulously executed still lifes.