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Jacques Laurent Agasse

1767-1849

Jacques-Laurent Agasse (1767 - 1849). The English painter Jacques-Laurent Agasse was born into a wealthy and politically influential Huguenot family, Agasse spent his early childhood at the country estate of Crévin. While at the estate he developed his love for horses and farm animals and spent his days sketching and drawing. Agasse trained first at the Ecole du Colibri in Geneva and subsequently in Paris under Jacques-Louis David (beginning in 1787) and possibly under Horace Vernet. His early artistic output consisted chiefly of unpretentious silhouette ‘cut-outs’ in the style of Jean-Daniel Huber. At this time he also undertook a serious study of dissection and veterinary science.

After briefly returning to Geneva, Agasse moved to England in 1802 where he lived until his death in 1849. In England Agasse became one of the principal successors to Stubbs. In fact Agasse is often referred to as the Swiss Stubbs because of his ability to re-create the anatomy of animals. His pictures are sensitive to the subjects and are very naturalistic. His work is regarded among the finest of this period. Having studied veterinary science in Paris as well as painting, the paintings of Agasse are distinguished by anatomical accuracy as well as grace of line. Although Agasse was initially successful in England (George IV (1762-1830) was among his patrons), he died poor and virtually forgotten. The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire in his native Geneva has the best collection of his work.