François Clouet
François Clouet arrived in the world within the walls of Tours, born to Jean Clouet. His father was a court painter native to the Southern Netherlands and likely from the Brussels area. François studied directly under his own father's guidance during these early years. He inherited his father's nickname Janet, which appears in some early sources and older literature. This familial bond established the foundation for his artistic career before he ever entered royal service.
A document dated December 1541 marks the earliest reference to François Clouet in official records. The king renounced his father's estate for the benefit of François, as it had escheated to the crown due to foreign status. The younger Clouet followed his father very closely in his art according to this text. He held the office of groom of the chamber and painter in ordinary to the king. He started where his father left off regarding salary and official duties. Many drawings are attributed to this artist, often without perfect certainty.
One of his most remarkable portraits is that of Mary Queen of Scots, a drawing in chalks housed in the Bibliothèque Nationale. Similar character defines two portraits of Charles IX and one at Chantilly of Marguerite of France. Perhaps his masterpiece is the portrait of Elizabeth of Austria currently held in the Louvre. This piece made an important impression on Claude Lévi-Strauss decades later. Catherine de Medici described the efforts of Maistre Jamet on Alençon's portrait to the ambassador in London. Certain representations of members of the royal family which were in the Hamilton Palace collection are usually ascribed to him.
In 1571 he was summoned to the office of the Court of the Mint for consultation. His opinion was taken on the likeness to the king of a portrait struck by the mint. He prepared the death-mask of Henry II, as in 1547 he had taken a similar mask of the face and hands of Francis I. These masks ensured the effigy used at the funeral might be prepared from his drawings. On each occasion he executed the painting to be used in the decorations of the church and banners for the great ceremony. Several miniatures are believed to be his work, including a half-length figure of Henry II in the collection of J. Pierpont Morgan.
This piece made an important impression on Claude Lévi-Strauss regarding art theory. It helped inspire his theory of the modèle réduit or works of art as miniature models. This concept appeared in his book The Savage Mind alongside other theories of artworks. François Clouet resided in Paris in the rue de Ste Avoye in the Temple quarter. He lived close to the Hotel de Guise during his later years. In 1568 is known to have been under the patronage of Claude Gouffier de Boisy and his wife Claude de Baune.
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Common questions
Where was François Clouet born and who was his father?
François Clouet arrived in the world within the walls of Tours, born to Jean Clouet. His father was a court painter native to the Southern Netherlands and likely from the Brussels area.
When did François Clouet first appear in official records as a court artist?
A document dated December 1541 marks the earliest reference to François Clouet in official records. The king renounced his father's estate for the benefit of François, as it had escheated to the crown due to foreign status.
Which portrait by François Clouet is currently held in the Louvre museum?
Perhaps his masterpiece is the portrait of Elizabeth of Austria currently held in the Louvre. This piece made an important impression on Claude Lévi-Strauss decades later.
What death masks did François Clouet prepare for French kings Henry II and Francis I?
He prepared the death-mask of Henry II, as in 1547 he had taken a similar mask of the face and hands of Francis I. These masks ensured the effigy used at the funeral might be prepared from his drawings.
Where did François Clouet reside during his later years in Paris?
François Clouet resided in Paris in the rue de Ste Avoye in the Temple quarter. He lived close to the Hotel de Guise during his later years.