Antoine Coypel is a French artist who achieved wide recognition at the age of twenty.

Antoine Coypel (April 11, 1661 – January 7, 1722) – the famous French artist of the late XVII – early XVIII centuries, a prominent representative of the Baroque style. He was a skilled painter, engraver, draftsman and book illustrator. He also painted many mythological paintings.

Antoine Coypel is considered the most famous representative of the family dynasty of French artists.

Biography

At the age of eleven, he left with his father for Italy, who was appointed director of the French Academy of Arts in Rome. A three-year stay in the Eternal City had a huge impact on the talented boy. He got acquainted with the work of the great masters of the Renaissance.

The first and only art teacher in Antoine’s life was his father. Upon his return from Italy, Kuapel Jr. entered the elite Harcourt College.

Successful career

Antoine began to paint very early, while still studying in his father’s workshop. And at the age of 20, he already became a member of the Royal Academy of Arts. The unique talent of the young Kuapel was instantly noticed by the younger brother of King Louis XIV Philip. He entrusted him with the picturesque decoration of the royal palaces of Marly, Versailles and Meudon.

Already by the middle of 1680, Antoine gained fame as a brilliant master and became the official artist of the Orleans house. He quickly made a fortune fulfilling orders for his patron, and in 1695, by royal decree, Antoine Coypel was provided with luxurious apartments in the Louvre for permanent residence.

Throughout his independent professional career, the painter was constantly provided with well-paid work. He painted pictures, created engravings and cardboard for the royal tapestry factory. He also illustrated books and decorated numerous royal residences.

last years of life

The brilliant Frenchman lived in luxury and prosperity until his death. His ability to paint was inherited by his son Charles Antoine, who adequately continued his father’s work. Shortly before the death of Louis XIV in 1714, the authoritative master was appointed director of the Academy of Arts. And two years later he became the chief royal artist and received a title of nobility.

Having reached unprecedented heights in his professional career, in the last five years of his life, the painter experienced serious health problems. Antoine Coypel died on January 7, 1722 in his luxurious apartments in the Louvre. He gave his son a huge fortune, hundreds of drawings and a poetic message with his father’s blessing.