Original works of art

Known as the Swiss equivalent of the English animal artist, George Stubbs, Agasse worked in a highly detailed style. His animals have a neo-classic, almost monumental quality. Agasse was born into a family of means, enabling him to study freely. He became a student of the great neo-classic artist, Jacques Louis David in 1787, after being sent by his father to study in Paris. He later studied with the artist Horace Vernet. He also studied at a veterinary college learning veterinary medicine, osteology and dissection techniques.

Agasse moved to England in 1800 where he resided with the Swiss animal artist, A.E. Chalon and his brother J.J. Chalon. Lord Rivers, whom Agasse had met in Switzerland, became his primary patron. Agasse was very active in England, painting for King George IV, as well as exhibiting regularly at The Royal Academy between 1801 and 1845. He also exhibited at the British Institution and the Society of British Artists at Suffolk Street.

Now avidly collected, Agasse is the best known of the eighteenth century Swiss painters of animals. He also produced many engravings of horses, dogs and wild animals.