Jean Étienne Liotard

Style: Orientalism; Rococo;

Place: Geneva

Born: 1702

Death: 1789

Biography:

Jean Étienne Liotard was a Swiss-French painter, art connoisseur, and dealer born in Geneva in 1702. He is best known for his detailed and naturalistic portraits in pastel, as well as his works from his stay in Turkey. Liotard's life was marked by extensive travels to various European capitals, where his portraits were highly sought after.

Early Life and Training

Liotard began his studies under professors Daniel Gardelle and Petitot, whose enamels and miniatures he copied with considerable skill. He went to Paris in 1725, studying under Jean-Baptiste Massé and François Lemoyne. On their recommendation, he was taken to Naples by the vicomte de Puysieux, where he painted portraits of Pope Clement XII and several cardinals.

Career and Works

Liotard's career spanned multiple countries and mediums. He worked in Rome, Istanbul, Paris, Vienna, London, and other cities, producing an impressive body of work. Some of his notable works include La Liseuse, The Chocolate Girl, and La Belle Lyonnaise, which can be found at the Dresden Gallery and the J. Paul Getty Museum. He also achieved distinction for his enamels, copperplate engravings, and glass painting. Key aspects of Liotard's work:

• Pastel drawings: Liotard is renowned for his delicate and naturalistic pastel portraits.
• Enamels and miniatures: He was skilled in copying enamels and miniatures, which influenced his later work.
• Copperplate engravings and glass painting: Liotard also explored these mediums, showcasing his versatility.

Liotard's Traité des principes et des règles de la peinture was published in 1781, demonstrating his expertise in the art of painting. Many of his masterpieces were sold at high prices on his second visit to England. The museums of Amsterdam, Bern, and Geneva are particularly rich in examples of his paintings and pastel drawings. For more information on Jean Étienne Liotard, visit Wikioo.org's page dedicated to the artist. You can also explore his works and other artists' masterpieces at Wikipedia or Wikioo.org's collection of paintings.