Michel Jean Cazabon

Place: Naparima

Born: 1813

Death: 1888

Biography:

Michel-Jean Cazabon, a renowned painter from Trinidad and Tobago, is celebrated as the first great Trinidadian painter and the country's first internationally recognized artist. Born on September 20, 1813, in Corinth Estate, Northern Naparima, on the outskirts of San Fernando, Cazabon was the youngest of four children to French-Martinique parents.

Early Life and Education

Cazabon's early life was marked by a stint at St. Edmund's College, Ware, England, where he studied from 1826 to 1830. He later sailed for Paris to pursue medicine but eventually shifted his focus to art, studying under the tutelage of Paul Delaroche, a leading painter in Paris. This exposure had a profound impact on Cazabon's style and philosophy, which closely followed that of contemporary French landscape artists.

Artistic Career

Cazabon's work was first showcased at the Salon du Louvre in 1839 and subsequently every year from 1843 to 1847. His travels through France and Italy significantly influenced his landscape paintings, which were later published as a series of lithographs, "Views of Trinidad, 1851". This collection is now considered a vital part of Trinidad's historical visual records. Upon returning to Trinidad, Cazabon became a sought-after society painter, capturing the essence of Trinidadian scenery and portraits of prominent families. His patrons included Lord Harris, the English Governor from 1848 to 1854, who commissioned several paintings now displayed at the family home in Belmont, Kent, England.

Notable Works and Collections

Some of Cazabon's notable works include:

• St. James, a captivating graphite piece created in 1857, which can be found at the Yale Center for British Art.
• The Harris Collection, comprising 44 paintings, is another significant collection of Cazabon's work.

's legacy can be explored further through his biography on Wikioo.org and his Wikipedia page, Michel-Jean Cazabon. His contributions to Trinidadian art are undeniable, and his work continues to inspire artists and historians alike. For more information on Michel Jean Cazabon's paintings and collections, visit Wikioo.org.