Frere, PIERRE ÉDOUARD

Frere, PIERRE ÉDOUARD, figure-painter, was born in Paris, 10th January 1819. He studied under Delaroche, but speedily turned his attention to the rendering of humble life, and especially to the portrayal of cottage children. His works are usually small in size, painted with extreme care and accuracy, and characterised by the greatest sweetness and purity of feeling. He first exhibited in the Salon of 1843, and his works have frequently been on view in London. His 'Student,' 'Luncheon,' 'Sempstress,' 'Prayer,' and 'The Gleaner Boy,' when they were exhibited in the French Gallery in 1857 and 1858, won the most enthusiastic praise from Mr Ruskin, who pronounced that their painter united 'the depth of Wordsworth, the grace of Reynolds, and the holiness of Angelico.' In 1855 he became a Knight of the Legion of Honour. He died at Écouen, 23d May 1886.