Nicolas Henri Tardieu Paintings

Nicolas Henri Tardieu, often simply known as Nicolas Tardieu, was a prominent French engraver born on January 18, 1674, in Paris, France. He was one of the most distinguished engravers of his time and came from an artistic family, which played a significant role in the development of his career. His father, Jacques Tardieu, was also an engraver, providing him with an environment conducive to learning the trade from a young age.

Nicolas Tardieu became a student of the renowned French engraver Gérard Audran. Under Audran's tutelage, Tardieu honed his skills and developed a style characterized by its precision and clarity, which was well-suited for the reproduction of paintings. His talent soon gained him recognition, and in 1706, he was awarded the title of 'Graveur du Roi' (Engraver to the King), which signified his appointment as an official engraver for the French royal court.

Throughout his career, Tardieu created engravings after a variety of artists, including Nicolas Poussin, Charles Le Brun, and Antoine Watteau. His works were known for their high quality and contributed to the dissemination of the styles and artistic tastes of the period. Tardieu married Françoise Lemaire in 1706, and the couple had several children who also became engravers, most notably their son Jacques-Nicolas Tardieu, ensuring the continuation of the Tardieu legacy in the arts.

Nicolas Tardieu was admitted to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1712, which further established his status as a leading figure in the French art world. His engravings were sought after not only in France but also internationally, as they played a significant role in the spread of French artistic influence across Europe.

Nicolas Henri Tardieu's contributions to the art of engraving were significant, and his works remain an important part of the history of French art. He passed away on January 27, 1749, in Paris. His legacy is preserved through the numerous prints that continue to be appreciated for their elegance and technical mastery.