Pierre Mignard

Background

Pierre Mignard was born on November 17, 1612, at Troyes, France, the son of Pierre and Marie Gallois.

Education

Mignard trained in Bourges with the Mannerist painter Jean Boucher. He later spent time making copies of the Mannerist works in the château of Fontainebleau. He then studied for a period in the studio of Simon Vouet.

Career

In 1635 Mignard left the studio of Simon Vouet for Italy, where he spent 22 years and made a reputation that brought him a summons to Paris in 1657. Successful with his portrait of Louis XIV and in favour with the court, Mignard pitted himself against Charles Le Brun; he declined to enter the French Royal Academy, of which Le Brun was the head, and he organized the opposition to its authority. In spite of the deserved success of his decorations of the cupola of the Church of Val-de-Grâce (1664), Mignard was excluded from any great share in work for public projects, such assignments being under the control of the new academy. Mignard accordingly was chiefly active in portraiture; many of the beauties and celebrities of his day sat for him, including Molière, the viscount de Turenne, Jacques Bossuet, the marquise de Maintenon, the marquise de Sévigné, and the marquise de Montespan. His skillful technique and graceful arrangements are noteworthy.

With the death of Le Brun (1690), Mignard deserted his allies and succeeded to all the posts held by his opponent. These late honours he did not long enjoy. He died on May 30, 1695, while about to commence work on the cupola of the Hôtel des Invalides.

Achievements

• Pierre Mignard was an eminent painter in the classical French Baroque manner, known primarily for his court portraits.

Works

More photos

• book

  • The Plague Of Epirus Pierre Mignard (1612-1695 French) Poster Print (24 x 36)

    (The Plague Of Epirus, Pierre Mignard, (1612-1695 French) ...)

  • Studio Of Pierre Mignard (1612-1695) French School Poster Print (18 x 24)

    (Studio Of Pierre Mignard (1612-1695) French School is a l...)

  • Pierre Mignard (1612-1695) French School Poster Print (24 x 36)

    (Pierre Mignard (1612-1695) French School is a licensed re...)

  • Pierre Mignard: Print of Madame de Montespan Soutenue par les Graces avec dossier de 4 pages (Dimensions: 8.25 x 12")

    (Pierre Mignard: Print of Madame de Montespan Soutenue par...)

Connections

In 1660, Pierre Mignard married Anna Avolara, a Roman, who then followed him to France. The couple had several children.

Father:

Pierre Gallois

Mother:

Marie Gallois

Wife:

Anna Avolara

Daughter:

Catherine Marguerite Mignard

Son:

Charles Mignard

Brother:

Nicolas Mignard

Nicolas Mignard was a French painter, known for his religious and mythological scenes and portraits.

References

• Pierre Mignard