Attibuted To Pierre-Jean Mariette Paintings

Pierre-Jean Mariette was a notable French art collector, engraver, and art dealer, as well as a leading figure in the world of art in Paris during the 18th century. Born in Paris on May 7, 1694, into a family of print dealers, Mariette was immersed in the world of art from an early age. His father, Jean Mariette, and his grandfather, Pierre Mariette I, were both established engravers and publishers, which provided the younger Mariette with a rich environment to foster his interests in the arts.

Pierre-Jean Mariette was educated in the arts and humanities, and he developed a passion for collecting early on. By the age of 30, he had already begun to assemble one of the most significant private collections of drawings and prints of his time. His collection included works from renowned artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt, among others. Mariette's knowledge and connoisseurship were widely respected, and he was known for his discerning eye and expertise in the attribution and valuation of artworks.

Throughout his career, Mariette maintained correspondences with many of the leading artists, collectors, and intellectuals of the day. He was an active member of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture and contributed to the development of the art market in Paris. His work as an engraver was less prominent compared to his activities as a collector and dealer, but he did produce some engravings early in his career.

Mariette's influence extended beyond collecting and dealing in art. He had a keen interest in art history and was a pioneer in the study of the history of printmaking. His extensive notes and manuscripts, compiled during his lifetime, are valuable resources for art historians today. Mariette was also involved in the publication of 'L'Archéologie française,' a book on French antiquities, and 'Description des Pierres gravées du feu Baron de Stosch,' a catalog of engraved gems.

Pierre-Jean Mariette's legacy is largely tied to his extraordinary collection of drawings and prints, which was dispersed after his death in a series of auctions. These auctions were significant events and had a profound impact on the art market and the distribution of works to collections across Europe. He died on September 10, 1774, in Paris. Mariette's contribution to art history and the study of prints and drawings remains influential, and his meticulous cataloging and preservation efforts have made it possible for later generations to appreciate the works he so admired.