[Born in Paris, 1582. Died there, 1641. Aged 59.]
Is generally regarded as the founder of the French school of painting.
He received his first instruction from his father, who was also an
artist. When a mere youth, he acquired great fame as a portrait painter.
He visited Constantinople, where he painted Achmet I. At Rome he worked
for Pope Urban VIII. at St. Peter’s. Recalled to France by Louis XIII.
in 1637, he was appointed chief painter to the king. His colouring is
fine, and he possesses great boldness of touch; but his drawing is
marked by mannerism, and he is not happy in perspective, or in his
effects of light and shade. He accomplished, however, for French
painting, what Corneille effected for the drama. He created and raised
the national taste.
[From a marble in the Louvre.]