George Edward Bonsor Saint Martin

Place: Lille

Born: 1855

Death: 1930

Biography:

George Edward Bonsor Saint Martin was a French-born British historian, painter, and archaeologist who is known for the discovery and study of several sites in Spain. Born on March 30, 1855, in Lille, France, he spent his early life with his English cousins and later with his Guernes cousins in northern France.

Early Life and Education

Bonsor's family was relatively wealthy, which reflected in his education. He attended secondary schools in different countries, including the "Athénée" school in Tournai, Belgium; the "German college" in Moscow; two lycées in Albi and Montauban; and a school in Huddersfield, England. This constant travel developed his intense curiosity, observational abilities, love of geography, and appetite for knowledge. After completing his schooling, Bonsor's interests turned towards the fine arts. He attended fine arts academies in London and later in Brussels, where he reportedly won a significant prize for "archaeological technical drawing" at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts. This training proved useful after he decided to pursue archaeology as a career.

Career in Archaeology and Art

Bonsor became the first self-taught archaeologist who systematically used technical drawings in documenting materials and structures discovered. He was a strong advocate of the importance of recording archaeological discoveries, which he saw as genuinely artistic items. Some of his notable works include the discovery and study of the necropolis and amphitheater at Carmona, parts of the ancient Roman town of Baelo Claudia in Cádiz, and the Setefilla zone in Lora del Río. As a painter, Bonsor's style was influenced by his extensive travels and exposure to various aspects of Europe's cultural heritage. His works can be compared to those of other notable artists, such as Berthe Morisot, who also explored the relationship between art and everyday life. For more information on Berthe Morisot's works, visit Wikioo.org.

Legacy and Preservation of Archaeological Sites

Bonsor was also known as an advocate for the preservation of archaeological sites. He believed that these sites should be protected and preserved for future generations to appreciate their historical and cultural significance. This is reflected in his work with various museums, including the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which houses a collection of art and artifacts from around the world. Some notable examples of Bonsor's advocacy for preservation include:

• The discovery and excavation of the necropolis at Carmona, which is now considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain.
• The study and preservation of the ancient Roman town of Baelo Claudia in Cádiz, which has provided valuable insights into the history and culture of the Roman Empire.
• The exploration and documentation of the Setefilla zone in Lora del Río, which has shed light on the lives and traditions of ancient civilizations.

For more information on George Edward Bonsor Saint Martin's life and works, visit Wikipedia or Wikioo.org. His legacy as a pioneer in archaeology and art continues to inspire and educate people around the world. Archaeological discoveries and artistic expressions are just a few examples of his contributions to our understanding of human history and culture.