Jean-Baptiste Greuze

Style: Rococo;

Place: Tournus

Born: 1725

Death: 1805

Biography:

Early Life and Training

, a French painter, was born on August 21, 1725, in Tournus, Burgundy. His father, a master roofer, initially discouraged his son's artistic inclinations, but eventually, Grandon, a Lyonnese artist, encouraged Greuze to pursue his passion. In 1750, Greuze moved to Paris to study under Charles-Joseph Natoire at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture.

Rise to Fame

Greuze's breakthrough came in 1755 with his painting Le Père de famille expliquant la Bible à ses enfants, which was purchased by a wealthy art enthusiast, Ange-Laurent Lalive de Jully. This led to Greuze's recognition among philosophers and the art community. He then traveled to Italy with Abbé Gougenot, where he spent about a year, inspiring his future works.

Artistic Style and Notable Works

Greuze's style is characterized by his focus on genre scenes, capturing the essence of everyday life. Some notable works include:

• A Girl with a Dead Canary (Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh), showcasing Greuze's ability to evoke emotions.
• Savoyard with a Dancing Doll (Albertina, Vienna), highlighting his skill in capturing the spirit of his subjects.
• Boy with a Broken Egg, c. 1756 (Albertina, Vienna), demonstrating Greuze's early mastery of genre painting.

Legacy and Later Life

Greuze's success peaked in 1765, with thirteen works exhibited at the Salon, including La Jeune Fille qui pleure son oiseau mort, La Bonne Mère, and Le Mauvais fils puni (Louvre). However, his attempt to transition into historical painting was met with criticism. Greuze passed away on March 4, 1805, in the Louvre, after a life marked by both artistic triumphs and financial struggles.

• Discover more about Jean-Baptiste Greuze's works on Wikioo.org: https://Wikioo.org/@/Jean-Baptiste-Greuze
• Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Carcassonne, featuring works by Greuze and other notable artists: Discovering the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Carcassonne (France)
• Read more about Jean-Baptiste Greuze on Wikipedia: Jean-Baptiste Greuze - Wikipedia

Key Dates:

: Born in Tournus, Burgundy 1750: Moved to Paris to study under Charles-Joseph Natoire 1755: Breakthrough with Le Père de famille expliquant la Bible à ses enfants 1765: Peak of success with thirteen works exhibited at the Salon 1805: Passed away in the Louvre