A Life of Art and Academy
Charles Errard, also known as Charles Errard the Younger, was a French painter, draughtsman, engraver, and writer. Born in Nantes to Charles Errard the Elder and Jeanne Cremé, his early life involved studying in Rome, where he drew ancient works of art, figures, busts, reliefs, ornament, and Trajan's Column. His career included significant roles within the French art establishment, as he was one of the founders of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture and served as its director. He also held the position of Director of the French Academy in Rome during two separate periods.
His professional reach extended to decorating various royal sites, including the Louvre Palace, the Palace of Fontainebleau, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and Versailles. As an engraver, he produced illustrations for the Vite by Giovanni Pietro Bellori and an anatomical Atlas for the scholars of the French Academy in Rome.
Artistic Contributions and Legacy
Beyond his work as a painter and decorator, Errard was active as a scenery painter for the royal opera. His artistic output included:
- Illustrations after Poussin's sketches to Leonardo da Vinci's Trattato della Pittura.
- Bronze copies of Florentine sculptures, specifically from Michelangelo's sculptures in the Medici Chapel, which were left to Louis XIV and are now held in the Louvre.
Errard's career was marked by his involvement in major institutions and his travels, including an art-collecting trip to Flanders on behalf of the king. He served as the Principal of the Accademia di San Luca and eventually resigned his offices following the death of Colbert. He died in Rome and was buried in Santa Trinità dei Monti.
Questions & Answers
What other names is Charles Errard known by?
Charles Errard appears under the alternate names Erard de Bressuire, Charles II Erard, Carlo Errard, Charles, II Errard, Charles Erard de Bressuire.
Is there a 3D virtual tour of Charles Errard's works?
Charles Errard's artworks can be seen in a 3D gallery on the artist's 3D Museum page.
Can I browse Charles Errard's works by movement?
The All Movements page groups Charles Errard's artworks by art movement.
In which historical period did Charles Errard work?
Charles Errard worked in the Early-Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
