François Le Moyne

François Le Moyne was a French painter born on April 3, 1688, in Paris, and he died on June 4, 1737. He was a prominent figure in the Rococo movement, known for his mastery of grand decorative schemes and his influence on the development of French painting in the early 18th century. Le Moyne's most notable work is the ceiling of the Salon d'Hercule at the Palace of Versailles, completed in 1736, which exemplifies his skill in creating dynamic compositions filled with mythological themes. He was appointed Premier Peintre du Roi (First Painter to the King) in 1736, a testament to his esteemed position in the French art world. Tragically, Le Moyne's career was cut short when he took his own life in 1737, reportedly due to the pressures of his profession and personal struggles. His legacy endures through his contributions to the Rococo style and his influence on subsequent generations of artists.