Jean Baptiste van Loo Paintings

Jean-Baptiste van Loo was a French subject painter, noted for his portraits. He was born in Aix-en-Provence on January 14, 1684, into a family of painters. His father, Louis-Abraham van Loo, was a painter and art dealer who came from a Dutch family that had settled in France. His two brothers, Charles-Amédée-Philippe van Loo and Louis-Michel van Loo, were also accomplished painters.

Van Loo began his formal art education under the tutelage of his father and later continued his studies in Italy, where he was influenced by the Venetian masters. After returning to France, he gained recognition for his work and became a sought-after portraitist among the French aristocracy. He was particularly appreciated for his ability to capture the elegance and sophistication of his subjects, a skill that made him a favorite in the court of King Louis XV.

In 1719, Van Loo was admitted to the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. His career flourished, and he received numerous commissions for portraits and religious subjects. He also painted historical and mythological scenes, although his reputation today rests primarily on his portraits.

Jean-Baptiste van Loo's style was characterized by a refined use of color and a smooth, almost porcelain-like finish. He was adept at using light to enhance the three-dimensional quality of his portraits. His works exhibit a clear influence of the Baroque movement's dynamism but also incorporate the Rococo's lightness and grace.

Aside from his work in France, Van Loo also spent a significant amount of time in England, where he was equally well-received. He was in London from 1737 until 1742, during which he painted portraits of several British notables, including members of the royal family.

Jean-Baptiste van Loo passed away on December 19, 1745, in Aix-en-Provence. His legacy continued through his sons, who also became painters. Today, his works can be found in numerous art galleries and museums around the world, serving as a testament to his skill and enduring popularity as a portraitist in the 18th century.