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. Joseph returned to France in 1750 and 1754 with the help of François Boucher, and gained admission to the academy that 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 became a director of the French Academy in Rome, and collectors sought his works widely. The Empress of Russia and the King of Denmark tried to avail of his services without success. Finally, Napoleon made him a Count and Senator, bestowing 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.