Georges de La Tour

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Georges de La Tour (March 13, 1593–1652) was a French painter.

[edit] Early life

Georges de la Tour was born in the town of Vic-sur-Seille in Lorraine. Baptism documentation reveals that he was the son of Jean de la Tour, a baker and Sybille de la Tour, née Molian. The de la Tours had seven children in all, with George being the second-born.

La Tour's educational background remains somewhat unclear. His paintings at times reflect a certain Baroque naturalism in the style of Caravaggio, but there is almost always the heavy influence of his Northern (French and Dutch) contemporaries. La Tour is sometimes compared to the Dutch painter Hendrick Terbrugghen.

In 1620 he established his studio in Lunéville, painting religious and genre scenes. He was given the title "Painter to the King" in 1638 and affluence followed.

[edit] Works

He was known best for his nocturnal light effects, often using chiaroscuro, and simplified form painting. One of his most famous works, Education of the Virgin, is displayed at The Frick Collection in New York.

Although his initial work was executed in a Mannerist style, he later showed influence of Caravaggio.

La Tour's work went unrecognized after his death in 1652 but was rediscovered by a German scholar in 1915.