b. 1834 in Paris; d. 1917 in Paris. French painter, draughtsman, printmaker, sculptor, pastellist, photographer and collecter. Was a founder-member of the Impressionist group and the leader within it of the Realist tendency. Received admission to the Ecole des Beaux-Arts (1855). During his early career, he painted portraits of individuals and groups. By late 1860s, he shifted from history painting to an original observation of contemporary life. Began to paint women at work, milliners, laundresses, opera performers, cafe life and dancers. Known for his paintings of dancers. Mainly painted on canvas with oil.