born Nov. 2, 1699, Paris, France
died Dec. 6, 1779, Paris
French painter.
He first received acclaim in 1728, when he became a member of the Royal Academy of Painting in Paris. He became known as a successful painter of still lifes and domestic scenes that were remarkable for their intimate realism, tranquil atmosphere, and luminosity. In his later years he produced stunning pastel portraits. He was the greatest still-life painter of the 18th century, well known in his lifetime through engravings of his work. The meditative quiet of his work contrasts with the spirit of light and superficial brilliance seen in the work of many of his contemporaries. Many 20th-century artists were inspired by the abstract qualities of his compositions.