Joseph-Marie
Vien

Student Natuara and J. F. de Troyes he spent in Rome 6 years, from 1744 to 1750. Painting of Vienne in the Roman period and in the first years after his return to Paris remains within a fairly frivolous, theatrical and hedonistic style. However, at the end of the 1750s in the French art of starting a wave of fascination with antiquity, and Vienne was one of the first firmly transferred to the new style.

French historical painter and portraitist. The first knowledge of painting received in Montpellier. In 1741, appeared in Paris, where after two years training under the guidance of Natuar and visit classes of the Academy received a large prize, coupled with the right for the trip to Rome as a pensioner of the Academy.

From 1744 Vienne held in Rome for five years, during which they were filled, over many copies of exemplary monuments of painting, six large religious paintings and some other works of his own composition.

On his return to Paris, for the painting "SV. Martha sits on the ship," he was numbered with the Academy, and in 1754 for his picture "Daedalus and Icarus" (Louvre) he received the title of full member of and soon after Professor of the Academy.

From that time his name began to enjoy resounding reputation not only in France but in other European countries. In 1776, he served successively as Director of the French Academy in Rome, was appointed to a number of rectors of the Paris Academy, in 1789 received the title of first Royal painter.

Napoleon I made him a Senator, elevated to the dignity and granted to commander of the Legion of honour.

In the history of painting Vienne occupies a very prominent place, as a Reviver of the strict style at the French school after dominating in her mannerism, as the founder of Neoclassicism, which only further developed his disciples L. David, Regnault, Menage etc.

The truthfulness and simplicity of composition, correctness of drawing, attention to nature, United with the pursuit of it is noble forms and warm transparent colours are the distinctive qualities of his works, found predominantly in the museums and churches of France.

The best of his paintings are: "the Preaching of St. Dionysius" (the Church of St. Roch, Paris), "St. Herman and St. Vincent" (in the Louvre), six scenes from the life of St Martha (Church of Sainte-Marthe in Tarascon), "the Opening of the monument to Louis XIV" (Versailles Museum), "Farewell of Hector with andromaha", portraits of the artist and his wife, etc., Regardless of painting, Vienne engaged in engraving and produced 38 prints.

In addition, he left a lot of drawings on the stories in the spirit of Anacreon. The artist's wife, Maria Teresa, born Reba (Rebout, 1728-1805), a student of gr. Keily and her husband, drew animals and flowers, and his son, Marie-Joseph V. (1761-1836), owed their education to him and Vincennes, - a gifted painter of miniature portraits.