Jean-Joseph Constant, also known as Benjamin-Constant, was a French painter and etcher born on June 10, 1845, in Paris. He is best known for his Oriental subjects and portraits. Benjamin-Constant studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Toulouse under Alexandre Cabanel, where he developed his skills as a painter.

Early Career

Benjamin-Constant's early work was influenced by his journey to Morocco in 1872, which led him to produce Romantic scenes under the spell of Orientalism. Some of his noted works from this period include Last Rebels, Justice in the Harem, and Moroccan Prisoners. He also painted The Entrance of Mahomet II into Constantinople, which received a medal in 1876.

Later Work

After 1880, Benjamin-Constant changed his style, devoting himself to mural decorations and portraits. He became known for his large canvas paintings, such as Paris Convening the World, which was exhibited at the Musée de la Ville. He also painted portraits of prominent figures, including Pope Leo XIII, Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, and Lord John Lumley-Savile.

Awards and Recognition

Benjamin-Constant was awarded a medal of honor at the Salon in 1896 for his portrait Mons fils André. He was also made a member of the Institute in 1893 and was a commander of the Legion of Honor. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York owns a large mural decoration by Benjamin-Constant entitled Justinian in Council.

• Some of his notable works include Arabes assis, Les nuits arabes, and La favorite d'émir.
• Benjamin-Constant's paintings can be found in various museums, including the Musée des Augustins in Toulouse and the U.S. National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
• He was a writer of repute, contributing studies on contemporary French painters to Wikipedia.

Benjamin-Constant died in Paris on May 26, 1902, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most prominent French painters of his time. His work can be found on https://WahooArt.com/@@/8BWNDK-Jean-Joseph-Constant-(Benjamin-Constant)-Paris-Welcoming-The-World, where you can also learn more about other artists and their works. For more information on Benjamin-Constant, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Joseph_Benjamin-Constant. Important to note that Benjamin-Constant's work is characterized by its Orientalism and Academic art, which were prominent styles during his time. His legacy continues to be celebrated through his paintings, which can be found in various museums around the world.