Hyacinthe Rigaud Giclée Art Prints Gallery 1 of 2

Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743) was a highly esteemed French baroque painter known for his portraits of royalty and aristocracy during Louis XIV's rule in France. His art became synonymous with refinement and sophistication at French courts during this era.

Rigaud was born on July 18, 1659, to a family of artisans and merchants from Perpignan in France. When his father passed away when Hyacinthe was only eight, his mother remarried a goldsmith who helped foster Rigaud's artistic abilities.

Rigaud began his formal painting training under Paul Pezet of Montpellier before moving on to Lyon where he studied portraiture under Antoine Ranc. By 1681 he relocated to Paris and joined Charles Le Brun's studio as one of his principal French painters at that time.

Rigaud achieved fame in 1682 after receiving the Prix de Rome scholarship to study art in Rome. However, he decided instead to remain in Paris and build his career there before being admitted into Academie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in 1700.

Rigaud began his illustrious career when he was asked to paint King Louis XIV wearing his coronation attire in 1701. This portrait, widely lauded upon its completion, cemented Rigaud's standing as an expert portraitist - leading him to receive commissions from both French nobility and foreign royals alike.

Rigaud was known for his careful attention to detail and his ability to capture his subjects' personalities through vivid colors and vibrant nuances. His portraits not only depicted individuals, but also displayed their wealth or social status through elaborate costumes or backgrounds to emphasize this prestige in each painting.

Rigaud was known for living an austere life despite his success, giving generous financial assistance to struggling artists in need. Additionally, he served as Director of the Academie Royale and founding Member of the Academie de Saint-Luc.

Rigaud never married or had children. He passed away in Paris on December 29, 1743, leaving behind an impressive body of work that continues to be appreciated for its elegance and sophistication. Rigaud had an immense impact on French portraiture during its development period as well as becoming a key representative of baroque period art.