Nicolas de Largillière

January 10, 1656 (age 90)

Paris, France

He worked with Antoni Goubau, and afterward in Paris, studying with A. F. van der Meulen. His painting caught the attention of Charles II, who wished to retain Largillière in his service, but the controversy aroused by the Rye House Plot against Roman Catholics alarmed Largillière. Largillière left for Paris, where he was well received by the public as a painter. Upon ascending to the throne in 1685, James II requested Largillière to return to England. He made several trips to England, working at first as assistant to Sir Peter Lely at the court of Charles II. He painted portraits of the king James II, the queen Mary of Modena, and the prince of Wales James Francis Edward Stuart. The rich color and the air of opulence in the great portraits painted in his maturity reflect his Flemish training. In Paris he made the acquaintance of the influential Charles Le Brun; he became a member of the Academy, later its director, and finally its chancellor. Largilliere's huge output of splendid portraits explains his popularity as painter of Parisian society. Towards the end of his life, Largillière painted a repetition of anonymous male portraits of Parisian nobles.

Nicolas de Largillière

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painter

Background

He was born in Paris, France, and baptized October 10, 1656. He spent his early years in Antwerp.

Career

He worked with Antoni Goubau, and afterward in Paris, studying with A. F. van der Meulen. His painting caught the attention of Charles II, who wished to retain Largillière in his service, but the controversy aroused by the Rye House Plot against Roman Catholics alarmed Largillière. Largillière left for Paris, where he was well received by the public as a painter.

Upon ascending to the throne in 1685, James II requested Largillière to return to England.

He made several trips to England, working at first as assistant to Sir Peter Lely at the court of Charles II. He painted portraits of the king James II, the queen Mary of Modena, and the prince of Wales James Francis Edward Stuart. The rich color and the air of opulence in the great portraits painted in his maturity reflect his Flemish training. In Paris he made the acquaintance of the influential Charles Le Brun; he became a member of the Academy, later its director, and finally its chancellor. Largilliere's huge output of splendid portraits explains his popularity as painter of Parisian society.

Towards the end of his life, Largillière painted a repetition of anonymous male portraits of Parisian nobles.

Achievements

Largillière was appointed as chancellor of the French Academy. While painting the royal family portraits and others, Largillière used the Renaissance technique of structured disposition.

Works

$Nicolas de Largilli\u00E8re 1656-1746 Nicolas de Largilli\u00E8re 1656-1746$

book
- Nicolas de Largillière 1656-1746
  (Hard to find book)

Connections

teacher:: A. F. van der Meulen

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