Jean Georges Vibert (1840-1902) - Etude De Personnages , Circa 1890

Jean Georges Vibert (1840-1902)
Character studies, circa 1890
Oil on panel
23.5 x 15 cm
25.5 x 17.5 cm with frame
Anotation JG Vibert on back

Jean Vibert was born in Paris, son of the engraver and publisher Théodore Vibert, and grandson of the influential rose breeder Jean-Pierre Vibert. He began his artistic training at an early age under the guidance of his maternal grandfather, the engraver Jean-Pierre-Marie Jazet. Vibert was more interested in painting than engraving, and entered the studio of Félix-Joseph Barrias and eventually the École des Beaux-Arts when he was sixteen. He remained at the École for six years under the guidance of historical painter François-Édouard Picot.

Vibert made his debut at the 1863 Salon with La Sieste (La Siesta) and Repentir (Repentir).

During the Franco-Prussian War, Vibert became a sharpshooter and was wounded at the Battle of Malmaison in October 1870. He was awarded the Légion d'Honneur and made a Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur in recognition of his sacrifice. He became Officier de la Légion d'Honneur in 1882.

Vibert submitted works to the Salon until 1899. The popularity of his works spread, particularly in America, and reached high prices, including commissions from John Jacob Astor IV and William Vanderbilt. A large collection of Vibert's works was amassed by heiress May Louise Maytag on behalf of the then Bishop of Miami. Coleman Carroll, who loved them dearly. This large cache was then donated to the Florida seminary Collège St.John Vianney Dans Miami. Here, the impressive collection has had a somewhat chequered conservation history, as well as exhibition history due to later bishops' discomfiture with the paintings' apparent anti-clericalism (light-hearted debauchery, etc.).

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