MIGNARD, PIERRE

born Nov. 17, 1610, Troyes, France died May 13, 1695, Paris byname Mignard Le Romain painter in the classical French Baroque manner, known primarily for his court portraits. In 1630 Mignard left the studio of Simon Vouet for Italy, where he spent 22 years and made a reputation that brought him a summons to Paris in 1657. Successful with his portrait of Louis XIV and in favour with the court, Mignard pitted himself against Charles Le Brun; he declined to enter the French Royal Academy, of which Le Brun was the head, and he organized the opposition to its authority. In spite of the deserved success of his decorations of the cupola of the Church of Val-de-Grce (1664), Mignard was excluded from any great share in work for public projects, such assignments being under the control of the new academy. Mignard accordingly was chiefly active in portraiture; many of the beauties and celebrities of his day sat for him, including Molire, the Viscount de Turenne, Jacques Bossuet, the Marquise de Maintenon, the Marquise de Svign, and the Marquise de Montespan. His skill and graceful arrangements atoned for his want of originality and lack of character perception. With the death of Le Brun (1690), Mignard deserted his allies and succeeded to all the posts held by his opponent. These late honours he did not long enjoy. He died while about to commence work on the cupola of the Htel des Invalides. His brother Nicolas Mignard (160668) and his nephew Paul Mignard (c. 163891) were also accomplished painters.