François-Léon Benouville

François-Léon Benouville painted religious and classical subjects in a clean, calm Neoclassical style. His figures are carefully drawn, his compositions balanced and his colour restrained.

He was born in Paris and trained with his older brother Jean-Achille in the studio of François-Édouard Picot, then at the École des Beaux-Arts. He won the Prix de Rome in 1845. In Rome he painted The Wrath of Achilles (1847) and scenes of early Christianity. His Christ at the Pretorium and Christian Martyrs Entering the Amphitheatre are in the Musée d’Orsay. He died at 37.

Esther and St. Francis of Assisi show his gentle side. Look at the clear outlines and quiet mood.