Pierre Cot (1837 – 1883) was a diligent French painter whose work was greatly influenced by The French Academie des Beaux-Arts. He belonged to the French Romantic Academic Classicism art movement. Cot is known for his remarkable portraits, which is what he mostly painted. He was active in Bedarieux, France but his art spread all over the world. At an early age, he used to wake up early in the morning to paint while the light was good. He later studied at the l’Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Toulouse, France. After his graduation he moved to Paris, where he studied under the instruction of William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Alexandre Cabanel and Leon Cogniet. They were all known to have influenced his style. Cot was also guided by Francisque Duret, whom he later married his daughter. He also enjoyed the patronage of Bouguereau.
Cot made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1863. He featured paintings with allegorical subjects, historical scenes and genre. Cot’s genre scenes and portraits were the most popular with customers. He popularity rose very fast as his work began to be widely known to many prominent people in Paris and beyond. In 1870, he became a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, the highest class a prestigious French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1880 he painted “The Storm” which became his finest work. Cot received many prizes and medals for his great achievements. Some of his other notable works were Mireille, Dionisa, Promethee and The Day of Deaths. When he died, a commemorative monument was built in his honor.
