Gallery of the Masters Fine Art Gallery

Brief Biography-Joseph Marie Vien from Montpellier, France was a student of Charles Joseph Natoire. He won the Grand Prix de Rome after which he spent five years studying in Italy and doing paintings for churches. He returned to France in 1750 and in 1754 with the help of François Boucher he gained admission to the Academy which had previously rejected his work. From there on he enjoyed considerable success forging the style of neoclassicism. His atelier later engaged notable students, Joseph-Benoit Suvée and Jacques Louis David being the most distinguished. In 1775 he was appointed director of the French Academy at Rome and his works were sought after widely. The Empress of Russia and the King of Denmark tried to avail of his services without success. Napoleon made him a Count and Senator, bestowing on him the cross of Commander in the Légion d'honneur. His wife Therese enjoyed success as a painter and his son Marie Joseph also became a successful painter.