Nicolas de Largillierre - Partridg in a Niche

Largilliere, Nicolas de (1656-1746) - 1680-85 Partridg in a Niche (Musee du Petit Palais, Paris)

Nicolas de Largillière was born in Paris. A failed attempt at business led him to the studio of Goubeau. However, Largillière left at the age of eighteen to seek his fortune in England, where he was befriended and employed by Lely, for four years at Windsor. The fury aroused by the Rye House Plot against Roman Catholics alarmed Largillière. He left for Paris where he was well received by Le Brun and Van der Meulen. His reputation was soon established. Largillière's brilliant colour and lively touch attracted celebrities of his day—actresses, public men and popular preachers flocked to his studio. He became a member of the Academy in 1686 and ultimately its Director. His principal rival was Rigaud, but Largillière specialized in portraits of the wealthy middle classes, leaving the aristocrats to Rigaud. By the late 1680s, Largillière had established his reputation among the bourgeoisie. He produced 1,200 to 1,500 portraits in his lifetime, gradually becoming less formal and more relaxed in describing pose and costume. He also painted group portraits to commemorate solemn occasions, landscapes, still lifes, and religious works.