pierre auguste cot (17 february 1837 – 2 august 1883) was a french painter. today he is counted as being part of the academic art movement. he is also known for his portraits. he studied painting in toulouse and paris. his teachers were léon cogniet, alexandre cabanel and william bouguereau, amongst others. he won various prizes for his paintings, and in 1874, he is made chevalier of the legion of honour. he died at the age of 46.