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Henri Gervex was a French painter and lithographer born in 1852, who gained recognition for his work in both historical and genre painting. His early education was rooted in classical training, first at the École des beaux-arts in Paris under the guidance of renowned instructors such as Alexandre Cabanel. Gervex's career was shaped by his affinity for contemporary subjects, blending academic technique with a sensitivity to modern life. He was also associated with the vibrant art world of the late 19th century, moving within the circles of the Impressionists and other avant-garde artists of the period. Gervex’s most famous painting, Rolla (1878), caused a scandal when it was exhibited at the Salon of the same year. The painting, which depicted a woman in a passionate embrace, was viewed as daring and controversial due to its portrayal of sensuality and emotional intimacy. Although it caused an uproar, Rolla helped establish Gervex’s reputation as a bold and innovative artist. His works frequently explored themes of love, seduction, and the human form, often featuring female nudes, which were painted with an extraordinary attention to detail and a deft understanding of light and shadow. Gervex’s ability to capture the emotional depth of his subjects, especially women, was one of his defining features. Despite the initial controversy surrounding some of his works, Gervex eventually achieved recognition for his refined technical ability and his contributions to French academic art. His works were regularly exhibited at the Salon, and he was awarded the prestigious Légion d'Honneur in recognition of his artistic achievements. However, he was not solely focused on genre and figure painting; he also created historical pieces, such as his 1889 painting The Bath of Diana, which combined classical themes with a modern sensibility. Throughout his career, Gervex was known for his fluid brushwork, which, although rooted in academic traditions, showed a particular sensitivity to light and color. His ability to combine precision with emotive expression allowed him to maintain a strong presence in the art world, despite the changing trends of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gervex continued to work and exhibit his paintings until his death in 1929.