Chardin, Jean-Baptiste-Simeon

(1699-1779)

   painter

   Born in Paris the son of a cabinetmaker, Chardin, although he studied under a student of lebrun, was largely self-taught. One of the great artists of the 18th century, he documented the life of the Parisian bourgeoisie in his genre paintings and still lifes. Chardin was originally influenced by 17th-century Dutch masters and, like them, devoted himself to simple subjects and common themes. His lifelong work in this style contrasted greatly with the heroic and historic subjects and rococo scenery that were the main themes of mid-18th-century art. After being admitted to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1728, on the basis of two early still lifes (La Raie and Le Dressoir), Chardin began producing such scenes of everyday bourgeois life. About 1755, he returned to the still life genre with Le Gobelet d'argent. All Chardin's works are characterized by subdued color tones, lighting, and celebration of the beauty of the commonplace. There is always an air of intimacy, domesticity, and honesty in each. Also, his technique was to achieve a realistic texture in his paintings. Known as the "grand magicien" by his critics, Chardin achieved an unequaled mastery in these areas. Later works (after 1770) included three self-portraits in the same style.