Jean-Siméon Chardin

French painter and draftsman
French, (1699–1779)
A Parisian carpenter's son, Chardin studied with a modest artist; he began his career painting signposts for tradesmen and details in other artists' works. His work was noticed in 1728 by Nicolas de Largillière and he was immediately admitted for membership in the Acadèmie Royale. Early in his career, Chardin painted primarily still lifes; he turned to genre painting from 1733 to 1751, then created still lifes again after 1751. He made still lifes respectable subjects in the eyes of his contemporaries, who had previously scorned still lifes as subjects. As his sight dimmed in later years, he took up pastels, with which he made portraits. His work is known for its simplicity, directness and rich tonality. He was admitted to the Académie in 1728 and he held the position of Treasurer for 20 years.