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8. Rosa Bonheur 1822-1899
Stairs near Gallery Cafe
Marie-Rosalie Bonheur became famous for her paintings of animals and was the first woman to receive the Legion d'honneur in 1865. Cross-dressing was illegal and she had to obtain special permission from the government to wear trousers while sketching in cattle markets and abbattoirs. Although Rosa was never openly homosexual she lived with her childhood friend Nathalie Micas for 50 years. After Nathalie's death, Rosa became involved with Anna E Klumpe, who became Rosa's official biographer and lived with her until her death. Another painting, The Stag (1875), can also be seen on the staircase.