Jean-Baptiste Wicar

Jean -Baptiste Wicar, actually Jean -Baptiste Joseph Wicar (* January 22, 1762 in Lille, Nord, † February 27, 1834 in Rome) was a French painter of the Neoclassicism.

Life

Wicar came from a long-established working-class family; his father was a carpenter. His first art lessons learned Wicar at a private art school in his hometown. Later he went to Paris, where he was inter alia Student of Jacques -Louis David.

Despite the politically turbulent times, Wicar could soon make a name. Napoleon was aware of him and entrusted him in 1794 with the guidance of an expert group. This Commission should examine the captured art treasures and transfer to France after the war coalition ersen in the Austrian Netherlands. On the occasion of the Italian campaign Wicar was a member of the Commission set up by Napoleon in a similar function.

1800 could be Wicar settled in Rome. During the next six years there, he became one of the most important in the Napoleonic Portätisten catchment area. When in 1806 Joseph Bonaparte was appointed king of Italy, first official acts, Wicar President of the Académie des Beaux -Arts of Naples was appointed. 1809 was Wicar to this office and returned to Rome. He died on February 27, 1834 72 years and found his final resting place.

Reception

Especially with his portraits Wicar had a lot of success, but was always something artistic in the shadow of his teacher Jacques -Louis David.

Besides his own works Wicar today is also known as a collector. His art collection included about 1500 images. Most of it went to Wicars death as an inheritance to his hometown of Lille. The local society of scholars Société des sciences de l'agriculture et des arts was entrusted with the administration and in 1866 this heritage was presented as Musée Wicar the public at the Palais des Beaux-Arts.

Wicars home and studio in Rome is managed by the Académie des Beaux -Arts and is among other things Scholarship for a study stay.

Works (selection)

• John the Baptist and St. Sebastian for the church of Boutigny -sur -Essonne (department Essonne ).

• Marie -Julie Bonaparte and her daughters Zenaide and Charlotte., 1815.
• Jacques -Louis David. 1801.
• Joachim Murat.
• Carlotta Bonaparte., 1815.