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
WahooArt's page dedicated to the artist. You can also explore his works and other artists' masterpieces at
Wikipedia or
WahooArt's collection of paintings.