was born in Montpellier, Hérault, Languedoc-Roussillon, France,
into a wealthy Protestant family. He became interested in painting after
seeing some works of
His family agreed to let him
study painting, but only if he also studied medicine.
studying medicine in 1859, and moved to Paris in 1862 to continue
his studies. There he met
was drawn to
painting, and began taking classes in
Charles Gleyre's studio. After failing his medical exam in 1864, he
began painting full-time. His close friends included
Bazille was generous with
his wealth, and helped support his less fortunate associates by
giving them space in his studio and materials to use.
Bazille was just
twenty-three years old when he painted several of his best known
works, including The Pink Dress (ca. 1864, Musée d'Orsay,
Paris). This painting combines a portrait-like depiction of
Bazille's cousin, Thérèse des Hours, who is seen from
behind — and the sunlit landscape at which she gazes. His
best known painting is Family Reunion of 1867–1868
(Musée d'Orsay, Paris).
Bazille joined a Zouave regiment in August 1870, a month after the
outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War. On November 28 of that year he
was with his unit at the Battle of Beaune-la-Rolande when, his
officer having been injured, he took command and led an assault on
the German position. He was hit twice in the failed attack and died
on the battlefield at the age of twenty eight. His father traveled
to the battlefield a few days later to take his body back for
burial at Montpellier over a week later.