Louis Caravaque (Louis; FR. Louis Caravaque; 31 Jan 1684, Marseille — 9 (20) June 15 (26) June 1754, in 1752, Saint Petersburg) was a French painter who moved under Peter the Great in 1717 in Russia, and became court painter to one of the most important representatives of Rossica.
Born in Marseille, a Gascon family decorative painter, specializing in paintings of ships. Went in his father's footsteps by working in the Marseilles Arsenal of galleys. Brother of sculptors Jean Baptiste and Joseph. In 1715 in Paris, his portraits attracted the attention of Lefort, who entered into a contract for work in Russia for three years.
"to work in the service of the king's Majesty for three years in painting in oil for historical paintings, portraits, battles, forests, trees, flowers, animals, also in the smallest suptilni painting portraits and historical paintings" and "to take into their service those people the Russian people, which his Majesty will please to give him for teaching and learning in all that relates to the scenic arts"
From 1716 he lived in Russia. Consisted of Department of Office of the buildings from 1718, where he had Russian students. Before that was listed in the St. Petersburg provincial office. In 1722 he accompanied Peter I in Astrakhan, where he wrote his portrait (known for prints) . In this reign received 500 rubles a year .
He lived on Vasilyevsky island near the Menshikov Palace, in his own house, given to him in 1722 by Peter the great . Also lived in Moscow.
When Anna Ivanovna was appointed "court first pictorial works foreman" (first with a salary of 1,500 rubles, then 2,000 rubles a year), sang her coronation portrait and participated in the design of the celebration of the coronation. As Hofmaler Caravaque remained under Anna Leopoldovna, and Elizabeth. Was the author of the official "proven" image of Elizabeth as the new Empress. In may 1743 he was entrusted responsible order to fulfill sixteen (or eight) portraits of Elizaveta Petrovna to the Russian embassies abroad . Participated in the design and her coronation.
Buried in the cemetery of St. Sampson Cathedral in St. Petersburg
