1661 – 1743
Alexandre-François Desportes, born in Champigneulle, is widely regarded as the founder of animal painting (pittura animalière) in France. Desportes began his artistic journey in Champagne and later moved to Paris to refine his skills under the guidance of Flemish painter Nicasius Bernaerts, who encouraged him to focus on painting animals.
In 1699, Desportes joined the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, where he forged a significant collaboration with Claude Audran III, specializing in decoration and set design.
From 1695 to 1697, Desportes spent time in Poland, working as a portraitist. Upon returning to Paris, he delved into still lifes and hunting-themed paintings. His exceptional talent in depicting court and game animals earned him the prestigious title of “peintre de la vénerie” (painter of the hunt).
Desportes successfully blended the Flemish Renaissance tradition with Baroque sensibilities, approaching nature with a realistic touch that foreshadowed the Barbizon school. He was also a notable innovator in tapestry, introducing exotic and nature-inspired themes during his work for the Gobelins Manufactory. Among his renowned tapestry works are “Anciennes Indes” (1693) and “Nouvelles Indes” (1741).
Desportes’ fame reached such heights that, upon his death, his atelier was purchased to serve as a training ground for artists at the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres.
Many of Desportes’ works are preserved at the Musée de la chasse et de la nature and the Louvre, showcasing his significant contributions to French art.
