Louise Breslau

Overview

Louise Catherine Breslau (1856-1927) was a Swiss-German painter who became one of the most accomplished female artists of her generation. Born in Munich to a German-Swiss family, she studied at the Academie Julian in Paris alongside Marie Bashkirtseff.

Historical Background

Career

• Studied at Academie Julian from 1876
• Won multiple atelier competitions, frequently besting Marie
• Became a successful portrait painter
• First woman elected to the Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts (1901)
• Known for intimate portraits and pastel work

Artistic Style

• Excelled in portraiture and intimate domestic scenes
• Strong draftsmanship praised by her teachers
• Favored pastel medium alongside oil painting

Relationship with Marie

Breslau was Marie's principal rival and sometimes friend at Academie Julian:

• Academic rival: Consistently placed first in competitions where Marie placed second
• Mutual respect: Marie acknowledged Breslau's talent while resenting her success
• Artistic peer: One of the few women Marie considered a genuine artistic equal
• Personal tension: Their relationship alternated between camaraderie and competitive friction
• Aesthetic observer: Breslau noticed and commented on Marie's distinctive hand movements and artistic sensibility

Significance in Diary

Breslau represents Marie's artistic ambition reflected back at her - a mirror of what she could achieve but also a constant reminder of where she fell short. Their rivalry drove both women to greater achievement.

References in Diary

• First mentioned: carnet 082 period (1878)
• Key entries: competition results, atelier politics, artistic observations