Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin

Place: Paris

Born: 1699

Death: 1779

Biography:

Early Life and Training

, a French painter, was born in Paris on November 2, 1699. He is considered one of the greatest masters of still life and genre paintings. Chardin's early life was marked by his birth to a cabinetmaker father, which likely influenced his interest in art. He rarely left Paris, living on the Left Bank near Saint-Sulpice until 1757.

Artistic Career

Chardin entered into a marriage contract with Marguerite Saintard in 1723, whom he did not marry until 1731. He served apprenticeships with history painters Pierre-Jacques Cazes and Noël-Nicolas Coypel, becoming a master in the Académie de Saint-Luc in 1724.

• Chardin's first notice came from displaying a painting at the 'small Corpus Christi' on the Place Dauphine, which was bought by Van Loo, who later assisted the young painter.
• In 1728, he presented "The Ray" and "The Buffet," leading to his admission to the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

Chardin's work gained popularity through reproductive engravings, bringing him income in the form of royalties. Notable works include:

• The Stone Breakers, a masterpiece showcasing his skill in still life.
• Still Life with Apples and a Pitcher, demonstrating his use of soft diffusion of light and granular impasto.

Museums and Collections

Chardin's work can be found in various museums, including:

• Musée Maurice Denis (France), featuring an impressive collection of French post-impressionism paintings.
• Musée Courbet (France), dedicated to the works of Gustave Courbet, a leading figure of the Realism movement.

• View Chardin's Artworks
• Discover Musee Courbet (France) - A Haven for Art Lovers

Legacy

Chardin's legacy as a master of still life and genre paintings continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike. His work, characterized by carefully balanced composition, soft diffusion of light, and granular impasto, remains a testament to his skill and dedication to the craft. Explore more on Wikipedia: History of Painting