A French artist who was a leading painter in the development of the Impressionist style. He was renowned as a celebrator of pleasurable occasions and beauty, and especially feminine sensuality.

Born in Limoges to a working-class family, he initially worked in a porcelain factory where he was chosen to paint designs on fine china. In 1862, he began studying art in Paris, where he met Alfred Sisley, Frédéric Bazille and Claude Monet and was influenced by Courbet. At times, during the 1860s, he did not have enough money to buy paint, but by 1864 began to show his work at the Salon, although recognition was slow in coming, partly as a result of the turmoil of the Franco-Prussian War.

In 1874, he joined with Monet, Sisley, Pissarro and several other artists to mount the first Impressionist exhibition. Although the overall critical response to the exhibition was largely unfavourable, his work was comparatively well received. He participated in further Impressionist exhibitions as well as showing at the Salon and by 1879 was a successful and fashionable painter. He travelled extensively in the 1880s and deeply admired works by Raphael, Velázquez and Rubens, the influence of the latter in particular may be seen in his works.