Identity:

Alexandre Bernheim, son of Joseph Bernheim, manufacturer and merchant of colors and supplies for artists in the Jura, was an art dealer in Paris. He was the father of Josse and Gaston Bernheim.

Life:

Bernheim befriended Delacroix, Corot and Gustave Courbet who painted in the Jura. In 1863 he moved to Paris on Courbet's advice and opened a gallery at 8 rue Lafitte where he exhibited painters of the Barbizon school, and, beginning at 1874, the first impressionist exhibition. His London gallery was at 186 Piccadilly.

Bibliography:

Monneret, S., L'Impressionisme et son époque, Paris, 1978-79.