Dates | 1659 - 1743 |
Roles | Artist |
Nationality | French |
Born | Perpignan, France |
Died | Paris, France |
Hyacinthe Rigaud and his friendly rival Nicolas de Largillière were their era's leading portraitists, but Rigaud painted aristocrats while Largillière concentrated on the wealthy bourgeoisie. Their differing approaches reflect their clients' status. Rigaud's sitters are shown in elegant stances of natural superiority; they are members of society whose costumes and gestures describe their function within the state. He combined Anthony van Dyck's prototypes and opulent style with Philippe de Champaigne's stiff, linear formality. In his unofficial portraits, however, Rigaud's interest in
Rigaud studied in Montpellier and Lyon before arriving in Paris in 1681. He won the