Beyond the gentle light - three studies and two portraits by Simon Vouet

 

Presumed early self-portrait.

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Simon Vouet (9 January 1590, Paris - 30 June 1649, Paris), French painter. He studied and rose to prominence in Italy before being summoned by Louis XIII to serve as premier peintre du roi in France. He and his studio of artists created religious and mythological paintings, portraits, frescoes, tapestries, and massive decorative schemes for the king and for wealthy patrons, including Cardinal Richelieu. During this time he was immensely influential in introducing the Italian Baroque style of painting to France.