Adrienne Grandpierre-Deverzy was a notable French painter of portraits and scenes. 

Born in Tissey, Bourgogne, Grandpierre-Deverzy emerged as an artist of merit at a time when women were forbidden from entering the prominent art schools. The Académie des Beaux-Arts and the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, had both closed their doors and the only option was to train in a willing tutor’s private studio.

Abel de Pujol (1785-1861) was one such tutor and provided lessons to female-only groups. These were designed to be ‘decent’ and avoid exposure to live models. Pujol, in turn, was a student of the eminent Jacques-Louis David.

Grandpierre-Deverzy was evidently enthralled by her time at Pujol’s and painted the bustling studio environment on numerous occasions. This piece from 1822 is a particular treasure and depicts three students standing by the master as he critiques their work.

The Studio Of Abel De Pujol (1822)

The drawing in his hand appears to be of a classical bust. Over his right shoulder stands a woman looking directly at the viewer, which is conceivably the artist herself. Such was the glowing reception of this piece that it was accepted into the Paris Salon.

Following her debut, she continued to exhibit at the Salon and became noted for her accomplished history painting and portraits. She also produced lithographs after works by Pujol, remaining close to him throughout her career. In 1856, the pair married, 34 years after meeting.

She’s represented in numerous public collections including at the Château de Fontainebleau and the Museum of Fine Arts in Valenciennes.

Signed, dated and held within a later frame.

Exhibited

Paris Salon (1822-1855).

Public Collections

Louis-Philippe Museum of the Château d'Eu, Château de Fontainebleau, Marmottan Monet Museum, Museum of Fine Arts in Valenciennes.

Timeline

1795

Born in Tissey, Bourgogne, France.

Trained in the atelier of neoclassical painter Abel de Pujol (1785-1861), a student of Jacques-Louis David.

1822

Debuted at the Paris Salon with ‘The Studio of the Painter Abel de Pujol’.

1855

Shown at the Exposition Universelle (1855).

1856

Married Alexandre Denis Joseph Abel De Pujol in Paris and subsequently exhibited under the name Adrienne de Pujol.

He passed away five years later.

1869

Died in Paris, France.