Bonheur can be seen as a symbol of the 19th century "New Woman"; at a time when women were looking at a certain amount of neglect, she demonstratively decided to wear pants, shirts, and ties. The wearing of men's clothing gave Bonheur an identity, allowing her openly to show that she refused to adapt to the social biases of the society at that time.
In her life she had two women intimate partners; the first she lived for forty years, and the second entered her life after the death of her first partner. After she had chosen to never become an add-on or appendage to a man, she decided in principle that she would be her boss and that she could lean on herself and her talents. Bonheur's legacy paved the way for other female artists who did not compromise their autonomy and the prejudice of society towards women.