His painting Birth of Venus is one of the best known examples of 19th century academic painting. The picture was bought by the emperor Napoleon III there is also a smaller replica at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
-Alexandre Cabanel - successful academic painter 1823-1889
About Alexandre Cabanel: the French painter, Alexandre Cabanel was born in Montpellier, Herault. He painted historical, classical and religious subjects in the academic style. He was also well-known as a portrait painter. Alexandre Cabanel is the best representative of L'art pompier and Napoleon III's preferred painter.