Jean Raoux Biography

Jean Raoux (1677-1734) was a French painter born in Montpellier.

After the usual course of training, he became a member of the Academy in 1717 as a historical painter. His reputation had been previously established by the acclaimed decorations executed during his three years in Italy at the palace of Giustiniani Solini in Venice, and by some easel paintings, the Four Ages of Man (National Gallery), commissioned by the grand prior of Vendôme. To this latter class of subject Raoux devoted himself, refusing to paint portraits except in character.

The list of his works is a long series of sets of the Seasons, of the Hours, of the Elements, or of those scenes of amusement and gallantry in the representation of which he was immeasurably surpassed by his younger rival Watteau. After his stay in England (1720), he lived much in the Temple, where he decorated several rooms. He died in Paris in 1734. His best pupils were Chevalier and Montdidier. His works were much engraved by Poilly, Moyreau, Dupuis, etc.