Philippe De La Hyre Paintings

Philippe de Champaigne was a prominent and influential French Baroque painter who was born in Brussels in 1602. His work is known for its clarity, soberness, and classical elements. Champaigne was a founding member of the Académie de peinture et de sculpture in Paris and was closely connected to the French court, particularly through his role as a portraitist.

Champaigne's early life was spent in Brussels, where he was trained by a landscape painter. However, his career truly began after he moved to Paris in 1621, where he worked under the tutelage of Nicolas Poussin and Georges Lallemand. His early works reflect a strong Flemish influence, but as he grew older, his style became more classically French.

He quickly gained recognition and success, becoming a favorite artist of the French aristocracy. One of his most famous works is the 'Ex-Voto de 1662', which depicts Louis XIII, Cardinal Richelieu, and the Virgin Mary with the Christ child. This painting is a hallmark of Champaigne's ability to combine his religious beliefs with his royalist sympathies, showcasing both political and spiritual power.

Philippe de Champaigne's religious works are particularly notable, as he was deeply influenced by the Catholic Counter-Reformation, which sought to reaffirm Catholicism's dominance in the arts. His paintings often reflect his Jansenist sympathies, a movement within Catholicism that emphasized original sin, human depravity, the necessity of divine grace, and predestination.

Throughout his career, Champaigne demonstrated a mastery of both portraiture and religious compositions. His portraits were celebrated for their psychological depth and realism, while his religious paintings are marked by their serene and contemplative nature.

Champaigne's influence extended beyond his lifetime, as he trained a number of important painters, including his nephew, Jean Baptiste de Champaigne, and his own daughter, Catherine de Champaigne, who also became a painter. Philippe de Champaigne's legacy is preserved in the many works that remain on display in museums across the world, such as the Louvre in Paris and the National Gallery in London.

He continued to work and contribute to the art world up until his death in Paris in 1674. His art remains a quintessential representation of French Baroque painting and continues to be studied for its historical and artistic significance.