Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne Paintings

Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne was a notable French sculptor working during the Rococo period, born on February 15, 1704, in Paris, France. He came from a family of sculptors, with his father, Jean-Louis Lemoyne, also being a sculptor who provided him with his initial training. Lemoyne is often associated with the transition from the late Baroque style to the more delicate and elaborate Rococo style that came to dominate French art in the 18th century.

Lemoyne's work was characterized by its elegance, grace, and the delicate treatment of forms. He became well known for his portrait busts, which were highly sought after by the aristocracy of his time. In addition to his portrait busts, Lemoyne also worked on religious commissions and mythological subjects, showing a versatility that was appreciated by his contemporaries.

In 1725, Lemoyne received the Prix de Rome, an award which allowed him to study in Rome at the French Academy. His time in Italy had a profound impact on his artistic development. Upon his return to France, his reputation grew, and he was admitted to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1736. Eventually, he was appointed professor at the Academy and later became its director.

Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne's career reached its zenith when he was commissioned to create a statue of King Louis XV, which was installed in 1763 at the Place Royale in Bordeaux. His work was a precursor to the neoclassical style and influenced a generation of French sculptors, including his famous student, Jean-Antoine Houdon. Lemoyne's influence extended through his teaching and his numerous public commissions, which helped to disseminate his style.

Despite his success, Lemoyne's later years were marked by personal tragedies, including the death of his wife and the mental illness of his daughter. These events, coupled with the changing artistic tastes of the time, led to a decline in his popularity towards the end of his life. He died on May 25, 1778, in Paris. Today, Lemoyne is remembered for his artistic contributions to the Rococo movement and for paving the way for the neoclassical style that would follow.