Jean Michel Picart

1600 – 1682

Flemish painter, active in France. He was born in Antwerp but moved to Paris before 1635 where he set up as a painter and art dealer. He lived in Saint-Germain-des-Prés along with many other of the Flemish artists who emigrated to that city. Picart was interested in collecting and dealing various types of paintings such as Dutch and Flemish landscapes, hunting scenes by Snyders or smaller religious compositions. After 1638, he was recorded at St Germain-des-Prés, and on 2 May 1640 he entered the Academy of St Luke. Elected member of the Académie Royale in 1651, he became 'peintre du Roy' during that same year. He was further promoted 'peintre ordinaire du Roy' in 1679. His early works evoke the influence of the Antwerp painter Jacob van Es. The influence of Daniel Seghers is also apparent in his flower paintings between 1630 and 1635. Stylistically, he evolved from rather severe compositions to sumptuous baroque floral decorations. After 1660, he was influenced by Monnoyer. Picart had an impact on French artists such as François Garnier and Louise Moillon.

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