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Claude Lepape was a French painter, printmaker, theatre set designer and representative of the Paris School. He was the son of the painter Georges Lepape and studied painting at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Claude Lepape's still lifes and portraits convey the artist's intimate understanding of creatures and objects and have a surrealist undertone.


François Boucher, a French artist, is celebrated for his significant contributions to the Rococo style of painting. His works are renowned for their idyllic and voluptuous themes, which include classical subjects, decorative allegories, and pastoral scenes. Boucher's talent in creating intricate and charming paintings made him a favorite in the French court, especially with Madame de Pompadour.
François Boucher's skills were not confined to painting alone; he was also an adept draftsman and tapestry designer. His designs for the Beauvais tapestry workshops were highly successful, influencing decorative arts across Europe. Moreover, Boucher's influence extended to porcelain, with his designs being replicated on tableware and decorative pieces at the Vincennes and Sèvres factories.
Despite the later criticism of his style as overly frivolous and disconnected from the emerging Neoclassical trends, François Boucher's works continue to be admired for their aesthetic beauty and historical significance. His ability to blend various elements into a cohesive and appealing visual narrative demonstrates his mastery and enduring legacy in the art world.
For art collectors and enthusiasts, François Boucher's oeuvre offers a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century French art and culture, reflecting the opulence and delicate tastes of the Rococo period. His paintings and designs continue to be celebrated and studied for their artistic merit and historical context.
To stay updated on the latest exhibitions, sales, and events related to François Boucher's works, consider subscribing to updates from reliable art and antique sources. This way, you'll remain informed about opportunities to engage with the art of one of Rococo's most distinguished masters.






Lodovico Carracci was a significant Italian painter and printmaker from Bologna, renowned for his contributions to Baroque art and the Bolognese school. He was a pivotal figure in reinvigorating Italian art, particularly fresco art, which had been overshadowed by the formalistic Mannerism of the late Renaissance period.
His works are distinguished by their emotional depth and spiritual intensity, often achieved through bold gestures and dramatic lighting. As an artist, he was instrumental in establishing the Carracci workshop and style, alongside his cousins Agostino and Annibale Carracci. Together, they founded an art academy in Bologna around 1585 that focused on a naturalistic approach to painting, emphasizing life drawing and a return to classical principles.
Lodovico Carracci was known for his skillful use of colour and his ability to create harmonious and balanced compositions. His works often depicted religious and mythological subjects and he was particularly famous for his frescoes, which adorned many churches and palaces in Bologna. He was also an influential teacher, with Guido Reni and Domenichino among his pupils.
Among Carracci's known works are notable religious compositions like "The Lamentation" and "Madonna and Child with Saints," which are now housed in prestigious museums such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. He also worked on significant fresco cycles in private palaces, such as the cycle depicting the story of Jason and the Argonauts in the Palazzo Fava, completed in 1584.
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Giovanni Andrea Sirani was an Italian Baroque painter and printmaker, father of Elisabetta Sirani and the lesser known Anna Maria Sirani.
Giovanni Andrea Sirani began his artistic education through a brief apprenticeship in the studio of Giacomo Cavedone, only to join the school of Guido Reni, becoming a favourite pupil of the maestro.
Sirani's paintings can be found in various Bolognese churches. His recent works show the influence of the Venetian school.


Pierre Cécile Puvis de Chavannes, a prominent French painter, was known as "the painter for France." His influential mural paintings showcased a classicizing style, often referencing visions of Hellenistic Greece.
Puvis received numerous commissions for public and private institutions across France, with significant works in Amiens, Marseille, Lyon, Poitiers, and Paris. His success as a 'painter for France' stemmed from his ability to appeal to various ideologies of the time. In addition to murals, Puvis created easel paintings, some of which can be found in galleries worldwide. Despite his significance, he was not fully appreciated during his lifetime, and his work remains a subject of ongoing art criticism.


Charles-Joseph Natoire was a prominent Rococo painter, known for his significant contributions to French art during his lifetime. Trained under François Lemoyne, Natoire excelled in various artistic endeavors, earning royal commissions and contributing to significant artistic projects in Versailles and Fontainebleau. His works included tapestry cartoons for the Manufacture de Beauvais and Gobelins, and he was known for his series on the History of Psyche and Don Quixote.
In 1751, Charles-Joseph Natoire became the director of the French Academy in Rome, a role he held until 1775. During this period, he mentored notable students like Hubert Robert and Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Although his active painting career dwindled during his directorship, his influence on the students and the artistic community was significant.
Charles-Joseph Natoire's works can be found in various prestigious institutions, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Louvre. His painting "The Rebuke of Adam and Eve" is one such piece that showcases his mastery and attention to detail.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Charles-Joseph Natoire's works offer a glimpse into the Rococo style's elegance and the rich artistic heritage of 18th-century France. His contributions to tapestry and painting continue to be celebrated and studied for their historical and artistic value.
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Herman Saftleven the Younger was a Dutch artist of the Golden Age who was Dean of the Guild of St. Luke in Utrecht.
Herman Saftleven the Younger was born into a creative family. His father, Hermann Saftleven the Elder (c. 1580-1627), was the father of three artist sons, Hermann the Younger, Cornelis (1607-1681), and Abraham Saftleven (c. 1611/13 - 1646).
Saftleven the Younger was an extremely productive painter, draughtsman, and printmaker. He is known for his landscapes near rivers as well as scenes of people traveling in the woods.


Léon Augustin Lhermitte was a French naturalist painter and etcher whose primary subject matter was rural scenes depicting peasants at work.


Louis-Léopold Boilly was a French painter and draftsman. A gifted creator of popular portrait paintings, he also produced a vast number of genre paintings vividly documenting French middle-class social life. His life and work spanned the eras of monarchical France, the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Empire, the Bourbon Restoration and the July Monarchy. His 1800 painting Un Trompe-l'œil introduced the term trompe-l'œil ("trick the eye"), applied to the technique that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects exist in three dimensions, though the "unnamed" technique itself had existed in Greek and Roman times.


Nicolas de Largillière was a French painter of the Rococo period. Along with Hyacinthe Rigaud, he is considered the first portraitist of his time in France.


Jacques-Louis David, a preeminent French artist of the Neoclassical movement, made a profound impact on the art world with his compelling history paintings and portraiture. Born in Paris in 1748 into a prosperous family, David's early life was marked by tragedy and ambition. Despite losing his father at a young age and facing opposition from his family, his determination to pursue art led him to become a student of Joseph-Marie Vien and later, a notable figure in the French Academy in Rome. David's artistic journey was characterized by a rigorous classical education, culminating in winning the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1774, which allowed him to study the masterpieces of classical antiquity and the Renaissance in Italy.
David's work is renowned for its classical austerity, a response to the frivolous Rococo style that preceded him. His paintings, such as "The Oath of the Horatii," reflect a blend of classical themes with a modern sense of emotion and drama, resonating with the revolutionary spirit of his times. As the French Revolution unfolded, David aligned himself with its ideals, becoming an active supporter and using his art to serve political purposes. He was closely associated with leaders of the Revolution, including Maximilien Robespierre, and later became the official painter of Napoleon, contributing significantly to the iconography of the era.
Throughout his career, David had a significant influence on French art, not only through his own works but also as a teacher. His studio was a nurturing ground for the next generation of French painters, despite his reputation for being demanding. David's move to Brussels after the fall of Napoleon marked the final phase of his career, where he continued to paint until his death in 1825.
David's legacy extends beyond his contributions to Neoclassical art. He played a crucial role in the development of modern art history, blending classical ideals with contemporary themes, and influencing not only his contemporaries but also future generations of artists. His works, housed in museums around the world, continue to be studied and admired for their technical mastery and emotional depth.
For art collectors and experts, David's oeuvre offers a fascinating insight into a transformative period in art history, where the classical and the contemporary intersected to create a new visual language. His paintings not only depict historical and mythological scenes but also embody the ideals, struggles, and aspirations of his time.
For those interested in exploring the works of Jacques-Louis David and the impact of his art on the Neoclassical movement, updates on new product sales and auction events related to David's work can provide valuable opportunities to engage with his legacy. Signing up for updates ensures access to the latest information and events, offering a deeper understanding of this pivotal artist's contributions to art and culture.


Giovanni Battista Piazzetta was an influential Italian painter known for his mastery in the Rococo style, characterized by its subtle coloring and elegant forms in religious and genre subjects. Born in Venice to a sculptor, Piazzetta initially trained in woodcarving before venturing into painting, where he was influenced by the Venetian Baroque painter Antonio Molinari and possibly by Giuseppe Crespi and Caravaggio's dramatic use of light and shadow.
Giovanni Battista Piazzetta's work is renowned for its emotional depth and complex characters, often imbued with a layering of meanings. His notable works include "The Sacrifice of Isaac," "The Annunciation," and "Susanna and the Elders," which showcase his ability to blend religious themes with a strong sense of humanity. Despite not receiving numerous commissions, he made significant contributions through his book illustrations and was a respected teacher, becoming the first director of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia in 1750.
For art collectors and experts, Giovanni Battista Piazzetta's works offer a unique perspective on 18th-century Venetian painting, highlighting his distinctive style and contribution to the Rococo movement. His paintings, which can be found in various museums and galleries, continue to captivate audiences with their intricate details and emotional resonance.
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Jean-François de Troy was a French Rococo easel and fresco painter, draughtsman and tapestry designer. One of France's leading history painters in his time, he was equally successful with his decorative paintings, genre scenes and portraits. He was the inventor of the tableaux de modes ('paintings of fashions'), which attempted to provide a spirited portrayal of contemporary fashions, pastimes and manners.
He was the Director of the French Academy in Rome from 1738.


Antoine-François Callet was a French painter of portraits and allegorical works, who acted as official portraitist to Louis XVI.


Jean-Baptiste van Loo was a French portrait painter of the Rococo period. He came from a large Van Loo family of painters, originally from Flanders. Elder brother of the painter Charles André van Loo. He studied painting with Benedetto Luti at the Académie Française in the Villa Médici.
Jean-Baptiste van Loo's style was marked by refined elegance and a desire to convey the likeness and character of his subjects. He excelled in portraiture and his work was sought after by royalty, aristocrats and prominent figures of his time.
In addition to portraits, he also painted historical and mythological scenes. His works had a sense of grandeur, using a vivid colour palette, intricate details and dynamic compositions.



Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault was a French painter and lithographer, celebrated for his pivotal role in the Romantic movement. Born in Rouen, France, in 1791, and educated among the elite in Paris, Géricault developed a profound connection with art from a young age, influenced by his training under notable figures like Carle Vernet and Pierre-Narcisse Guérin. This foundation set him on a path that diverged significantly from the classical traditions of his time.
Géricault's artistry is best known for its vibrant energy and emotional intensity, characteristics that marked a departure from the Neoclassical style predominant in the early 19th century. His most famous work, "The Raft of the Medusa" (1818–19), is a monumental canvas that dramatizes the tragic aftermath of the French shipwreck, Méduse, capturing the public and critical imagination for its raw portrayal of human despair and resilience. This painting not only criticized the French government but also showcased Géricault's masterful handling of drama, becoming an iconic symbol of Romanticism.
Throughout his career, Géricault remained deeply engaged with contemporary issues and the human condition, exploring themes of mental illness, social injustice, and the raw power of nature versus human vulnerability. His series of portraits depicting patients with mental illnesses, created towards the end of his life, highlighted his empathy and innovative approach to capturing human emotion and psychological depth.
Géricault's fascination with the dynamic forms and emotional potential of horses also led to some of the most stirring equestrian art of his time, reflecting his personal passion for horseback riding and his exceptional understanding of equine anatomy. This interest is evident in works like "A Horse Frightened by Lightning", showcasing his ability to capture motion and emotion in both human and animal forms.
Despite his premature death at the age of 32, Géricault's legacy endures, with his works residing in prestigious institutions like the Louvre in Paris. His artistic vision and dedication to portraying the realities and turbulences of his era have cemented his status as a pioneer of Romanticism, influencing subsequent generations of artists, including his contemporary and friend, Eugène Delacroix.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Géricault's oeuvre offers a profound insight into the Romantic spirit, embodying the tumult, passion, and innovation of an era on the cusp of modernity. His works continue to inspire and captivate audiences, reminding us of the power of art to provoke thought and evoke deep emotional responses.
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Karl Otto Lagerfeld is a German fashion designer, designer, photographer, collector and publisher.
Karl found himself in the fashion world by chance, as he planned to work as an illustrator. At the age of 21, he entered the 1954 International Woolmark Prize and won first place for his sketch of a coat, which launched his career. For the next 65 years, fashion remained the foundation of his work, although he spent his life actively expressing himself in other areas of art.
In 1987, Karl shot his first advertising campaign and developed a passion for photography. In 1999, he opened his own photography studio in Paris, where he has taken countless images of the world's greatest figures in art and fashion. Many of Carl's photographs have also been used in art books. Karl was also a master of self-portraits: throughout his life he photographed and painted his iconic image.
A passionate bibliophile (his personal library numbered 300,000 volumes), Lagerfeld merged his photography studio with the 7L bookstore and later opened EDITIONS 7L, a publishing house specializing in books on design and photography. He was also involved in various interior design and architecture projects.
In 1965 Lagerfeld took over the Italian fashion house Fendi, where he created collections of leather and fur garments, and in 1983 he became the artistic director of the French house Chanel - with these companies he had lifetime contracts. In 1984, Lagerfeld founded his own fashion house, Karl Lagerfeld Impression.




Louis Carrogis, better known as Carmontelle was a French artist, garden designer, architect, playwright and inventor.
Carmontelle was of simple origins but versatilely gifted. He wrote several plays and three novels, and created portraits of historical figures. He became famous for his painting of little Mozart at the clavier. In the service of Louis-Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, he was responsible for the theatrical performances for the family as stage designer and stage director.
Carmontelle is the planner and designer of one of the earliest examples of a French landscape garden in Paris, now known as Parc Monceau. In designing the garden, Carmontel rejected many of the fashionable trends in landscape design at the time, drawing inspiration from Japanese pleasure gardens and insisting on incorporating illusion and fantasy.
Carmontelle is also credited as the inventor of animated images. Translucent tape with landscapes depicted on it was slowly rolled from one roll to another against a backdrop of daylight, thus creating the illusion of walking through a garden.
