Painter: Jean Michel Moreau

Jean Michel Moreau, French painter, printmaker and draftsman, was born in Paris in 1741 and died in 1814. Moreau, also known as Moreau the Younger, distinguished himself from other painters of his time by his sharp fashion instinct derived from his father profession as wigmaker. However, the beginnings of Moreau's career are set when he was only 17 and sent to study arts next to a painter and engraver. Jean Michel Moreau follows his master to Sankt Petersburg, Russia, where they spend two years. Meanwhile, the artist is taught engraving and teaches painting in Tsarina Elisabeth' Royal Academy.

Jean Michel Moreau returns to his native town in 1759 when his master dies and decides to continue engraving and put painting aside. His activity of that time includes numerous drawings destined to engravings after Old Master and contemporary creators. Other works include illustrations for The Encyclopedia written by Diderot, as well as for writings belonging to other important literates such as Moliere Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire. Moreau's popularity among publishers was given by his remarkable sense of essence, detail and expression. Jean Michel Moreau would underline the most significant symbol using light, mimic and gesture.

His work and skills were acknowledged by the King in 1770, when the artist was entitled as Designer to the King. Nearly a decade later, in 1781, his responsibilities were extended to Designer and Engraver to the King. This decade was most prolific for Jean Michel Moreau, as he published the work of his life and made history. He is the author of Monuments physique et morale, apparently a costume book, in fact the detailed illustration of the French upper society of the 18th century and its specific behavior, regulations and habits. Moreau's name is preceded by the costume book published twice, in 1777 and 1783, due to the social and informational significance of his illustrations. In 1785, Moreau takes a trip to Italy. Ulterior, the artist joins the Royal Academy, in 1789.

The French revolution didn't undermine Moreau's artistic authority in any way and his constant success convinced King Louis XVIII to rename him King's artist in 1814, the year of his death.

Moreau is remembered as one of the most erudite artists of his time and an outstanding observer of people's manners and style. His rich and fertile genius was revealed by the numerous and distinctive illustrations designed for decades.

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