Vue de Capri

Jean Benner, a distinguished French painter, was born on March 28, 1836, in Mulhouse, Haut-Rhin, and passed away in Paris on October 28, 1906. Emerging from a family steeped in artistic tradition, Benner shared his twin brother Emmanuel Benner's passion for painting, even capturing his likeness in a portrait. His early career saw him designing patterns for the textile industry in Mulhouse, a pursuit that honed his meticulous attention to detail. Seeking to refine his craft, Benner moved to Paris, where he studied under the tutelage of Ernest Hébert and Léon Bonnat, masters of their time. Benner's artistic journey was profoundly influenced by his close association with Jean-Jacques Henner, another Alsatian painter, with whom he exchanged portraits, cementing a bond both personal and professional. The allure of Capri captivated Benner in 1866, leading to his marriage to Margherita Pagano, the daughter of his host. This enchanting island became a perennial muse for Benner, inspiring many of his works until his death. His marriage blessed him with four children, three of whom followed in his artistic footsteps. Benner's oeuvre, encompassing floral still lifes, landscapes, portraits, and genre scenes, is celebrated in museums across France, including the Musée des beaux-arts de Mulhouse and the Musée d'art moderne et contemporain de Strasbourg. His legacy endures, not only through his art but also through his descendants, who carried forward the family's artistic heritage. Jean Benner was laid to rest in the Père-Lachaise Cemetery, leaving behind a rich tapestry of work that continues to captivate art enthusiasts.