GABRIEL

See also:

• FRANCOIS (1558-1614)

FRANCOIS

See also:

• GABRIEL FRANCOIS DOYEN (1726-1806)

DOYEN (1726-1806)  , French painter, was born at Paris in 1726 . His passion for art prevailed over his father's wish, and he became in his twelfth year a pupil of Vanloo . Making rapid progress, he obtained at twenty the Grand Prix, and in 1748 set out for Rome . He studied the works of Annibale Caracci, Cortona, Giulio Romano and Michelangelo, then visited Naples, Venice, Bologna and other Italian cities, and in 1755 returned to Paris . At first unappreciated and disparaged, he resolved by one grand effort to conquer a reputation, and in 1758 he exhibited his " Death of Virginia." It was completely successful, and procured him admission to the Academy . Among his greatest works are reckoned the " Miracle des Ardents," painted for the church of St Genevieve at St Roch (1773) ; the" Triumph of Thetis," for the chapel of the Invalides; and the " Death of St Louis," for the chapel of the Military School . In 1776 he was appointed professor at the Academy of Painting . Soon after the beginning of the Revolution he accepted the invitation of Catherine II. and settled at St Petersburg, where he was loaded with honours and rewards . He died thereon the 5th of June ,8o6 .