Maurice Quentin de La Tour Paintings

Maurice Quentin de La Tour was a French Rococo portraitist who is best known for his pastel portraits of society figures during the 18th century. Born on September 5, 1704, in Saint-Quentin, Picardy, France, La Tour showed an early talent for drawing. He moved to Paris to study under the portrait painter Louis Elle and quickly became acquainted with the work of the pastel portraitist Rosalba Carriera.

La Tour's pastel technique, characterized by its lively colors and subtle shading, gained him recognition and clientele among the French nobility and bourgeoisie. His portraits were noted for their realism and psychological insight, capturing the character and mood of his subjects. Unlike many of his contemporaries, La Tour focused almost exclusively on pastels, contributing to the medium's revival and popularity during the 18th century.

In 1746, La Tour was received into the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, and he later became the official Portraitist to King Louis XV. His success afforded him a substantial income, and he lived comfortably, indulging in his love for music and art collection. Despite his success, he was known for his generous support of fellow artists and philanthropic efforts, including his contributions to the establishment of a school in his hometown.

As he aged, La Tour suffered from mental health issues that eventually led him to retire. He returned to Saint-Quentin, where he lived a reclusive life until his death on February 17, 1788. Today, Maurice Quentin de La Tour is remembered as one of the masters of pastel and an important figure in the history of French portraiture.