Hyacinthe Rigaud was a prominent French baroque painter of Catalan origin, whose career was based in Paris. Born on July 18, 1659, in Perpignan, Pyrénées-Orientales, he was the grandson of painter-gilders from Roussillon and the elder brother of another painter, Gaspard.

Early Life and Training

Rigaud was trained in tailoring in his father's workshop but perfected his skills as a painter under Antoine Ranc at Montpellier from 1671 onwards. He moved to Lyon four years later, where he became familiar with Flemish, Dutch, and Italian painting, particularly that of Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, and Titian. Arriving in Paris in 1681, he won the prix de Rome in 1682 but did not make the trip to Rome.

Artistic Career

Rigaud's paintings captured very exact likenesses along with the subject's costumes and background details, making his works precise records of contemporary fashions. He was received into the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture in 1700 and rose to the top of this institution before retiring from it in 1735.

• Notable Works: Rigaud's famous painting of Saint Pierre showcases his mastery of portraiture.
• Collaborations: He worked with other prominent artists, such as Luca Giordano, whose painting La mort d'Orphée is a notable example.
• Influences: Rigaud's style was influenced by Flemish, Dutch, and Italian painting, making him a unique figure in the French art scene.

Museums and Collections

The Musée Hyacinthe Rigaud in Perpignan houses an impressive collection of paintings from various periods, including the Baroque era. The museum's namesake, Hyacinthe Rigaud, was a prominent French portrait painter who lived during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Visitors can explore the museum's many galleries and exhibits, which are organized around three main themes: Perpignan gothique, Perpignan baroque, and Perpignan contemporain. WahooArt offers high-quality reproductions of many of the museum's most famous works, including Hyacinthe Rigaud's paintings. These reproductions are hand-painted by skilled artists and can be ordered directly from the French baroque painter. With WahooArt, you can enjoy the beauty of these masterpieces in your own home or office. In conclusion, Hyacinthe Rigaud was a prominent French baroque painter whose career was based in Paris. His paintings captured very exact likenesses along with the subject's costumes and background details, making his works precise records of contemporary fashions. The Musée Hyacinthe Rigaud in Perpignan is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and history, and WahooArt offers high-quality reproductions of many of the museum's most famous works.