Sébastien Bourdon, a prominent figure in the French art scene of the 17th century, was born on February 2, 1616, in Montpellier, France. He was the son of a Protestant painter on glass and was apprenticed to a painter in Paris. Despite his poverty, he managed to get to Rome in 1636, where he studied the works of Nicolas Poussin, Claude Lorrain, and Caravaggio.
Early Life and Training
Bourdon's early life and training played a significant role in shaping his artistic style. He was exposed to various influences, including the works of Italian masters, which had a profound impact on his development as an artist. His
Sébastien Bourdon is known for his eclectic range of styles, which have given art historians exercise in tracing his adaptation of his models.
Artistic Style and Notable Works
Bourdon's facility rendered him adept at portraiture, whether in a dashing Rubens manner or in intimate, sympathetic bust-length or half-length portraits isolated against plain backgrounds. His
The Crucifixion of St. Peter, made for the cathedral of
Notre Dame, is considered his chef d'œuvre. Other notable works include
The Deposition, which showcases his skill in capturing the emotional intensity of a scene.
- Baroque style, characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow.
- Eclectic range of styles, influenced by Italian masters and French artists.
- Notable works include The Crucifixion of St. Peter and The Deposition.
- Facility in portraiture, with a focus on intimate, sympathetic bust-length or half-length portraits.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1652, Christina of Sweden made Bourdon her first court painter. He spent most of his working career outside France, where he was a founding member of the
Académie de peinture et de sculpture. His success required the establishment of an extensive atelier, where he taught many pupils, including
Nicolas-Pierre Loir and
Pierre Mosnier. Bourdon died in Paris on May 8, 1671.
Important works by Sébastien Bourdon can be found at the
Musée Fabre, where a comprehensive exhibition of his work was held in 2000. His paintings are also featured on
WahooArt.com, which offers handmade oil paintings reproductions and prints on canvas of famous artwork.
More information about Sébastien Bourdon can be found on
WahooArt.com, which provides a detailed account of his life and work. The website also features a wide range of artworks from various periods and styles, making it an excellent resource for art enthusiasts.