Josephine Houssay

Born in Nantes, Josephine Houssay was the sister of the French sculptor Fréderic Houssay. Student of Robert-Fleury and of Jean Jacques Henner, she debuted at the Salon of 1868. Member of the Societé des Artistes Francais from 1883, she obtained a third class medal in 1892 and a silver medal at the Exposition Universelle of 1900.

Josephine Houssay was part of a privileged group of women at the end of the 19th century recognized from their artistic talent. Regularly present at the annual exhibition of Femmes Peintres (Women Painters) at the Palais de l’Industrie, she frequently participated at the Paris Salon, where she was always highly acclaimed.

The elegant and sensuous position and the nuanced expression of her models characterize the art of this remarkable painter. At times the artist seems to be rendering homage to the teachings of her master, Jean Jacques Henner, who is celebrated for painting beautiful nudes.

One of her portraits, entitled Louis de Ronchaud (1816-1887), Director of the National Museum from 1881 to 1887. This portrait was exhibited in the Salon des Artistes Français n 1887 and was acquired by the State in 1888.