Philippe de Champaigne (1602-1674) (attributed to) - Portrait of the Artist's Wife - B.M.335 - Bowes Museum

Born in Brussels, Philippe de Champaigne moved to Paris in his early twenties and became a prominent painter during the reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. He was known for his religious paintings and portraits, often depicting austere and contemplative figures against dark backgrounds. Champaigne's style was influenced by the Caravaggio school of painting, which emphasised dramatic lighting and realistic depictions of human emotion. He was also inspired by the Flemish Baroque tradition, particularly the work of Peter Paul Rubens. One of Champaigne's most famous works is his series of portraits of the Jansenist abbess Angélique Arnauld, which he painted over the course of several years. These portraits are remarkable for their psychological depth and the way they capture the spiritual intensity of their subject. Champaigne was also a member of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture and taught many important artists, including Nicolas Poussin and Charles Le Brun. He died in Paris in 1674.

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