A Life in Paris and Versailles
Born in Rome, Italy, François Octavien was a French painter of the eighteenth century. Before turning his attention to the canvas, he worked as a singer with Italian troupes active in Paris. After settling in Paris in the 1700s and marrying Jeanne Giraux in 1712, his artistic career progressed toward formal recognition. He was admitted to the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture on September 30, 1724, following the presentation of a scene titled L'Entrée du Roi dans la ville de Reims. His reception into the Academy was finalized on November 24, 1725, after he presented his completed work, La Foire de Bezons.
In 1734, he moved from Paris to reside in Versailles, where he remained until his death on November 4, 1740. He is often distinguished from his brother, François Octavien le Jeune, who was also a painter practicing in Nantes.
Artistic Works and Subjects
The works of François Octavien encompass a variety of themes, ranging from military camp scenes to scènes galantes. His repertoire includes:
