Pierre Mignard, known as Le Romain to distinguish him from his brother Nicolas (Troyes, 17 November 1612 – Paris, 30 May 1695), was a 17th century French painter. In 1630 he left Simon Vouet's studio for Italy, where he spent twenty-two years and where he created a notable reputation, so much so that he was called to the court of Paris. Read the full biography
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Pierre Mignard, known as Le Romain to distinguish him from his brother Nicolas (Troyes, 17 November 1612 – Paris, 30 May 1695), was a 17th century French painter. In 1630 he left Simon Vouet's studio for Italy, where he spent twenty-two years and where he created a notable reputation, so much so that he was called to the court of Paris. Subsequently, with his portrait of the king and his definitive entry into the court, Mignard opposed himself to Charles Le Brun, refusing to join the Academy of which the latter was head, and placing himself personally as an alternative authority. With the death of Le Brun in 1690, the situation changed. Mignard managed to undermine his opponents' plans and return to court with all the honors he had not previously received. However, he died in 1695, when he was about to begin work on the dome of the chapel of the Hôtel des Invalides. Having left the court because of these controversies, Mignard dedicated himself to the decoration of the dome of the church of Val-de-Grâce (1664). He also carried out a long series of works and public works, the control of which was however entrusted to the Academy. However, this did not prevent Mignard from distinguishing himself as the leader of French baroque portraiture. Illustrious characters such as Henri de Turenne, Molière, Jacques Bossuet, Mme de Maintenon, the Marquise de La Vallière, the Marquise de Sévigné, the Marquise de Montespan, Descartes, as well as all the most beautiful women and the most important people, they approached him for a portrait. His skill and his pictorial ability, accompanied by an instinct for graceful composition, were his true strength. His works are today preserved in important museums around the world, including that of the prestigious palace of Versailles.
