Jean-Jacques Henner (1829–1905) was a French painter known for his evocative use of light, shadow, and warm tones, which gave his paintings a distinctive, dreamlike quality. Born in Bernwiller, Alsace, Henner showed artistic talent early and studied in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts, where he trained under Michel Martin Drolling. Winning the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1858 allowed him to study in Italy, where he absorbed the influence of Renaissance masters, particularly in their use of color and soft gradations. Henner is celebrated for his ethereal nudes and religious subjects, often depicting figures with luminous skin emerging from shadowed backgrounds, a technique that became his signature. His works reflect a harmonious blend of realism and idealism, with a strong focus on chiaroscuro inspired by Old Masters like Titian and Rembrandt. Over his career, Henner gained widespread acclaim, receiving the Legion of Honor and other prestigious awards. His legacy endures at the Musée Jean-Jacques Henner in Paris, where his work and personal artifacts are displayed, preserving his contributions to French Academic art and his influence on future generations.