Reference

During the late 17th century, France was home to many talented artists who made significant contributions to the art world. Here are some of the most notable French artists who were active during this period:

1. Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665): A prominent painter of the French Baroque style, Poussin was known for his landscapes and mythological scenes. Image: "Arcadia" by Nicolas Poussin, 1638-1639, courtesy of the Louvre Museum

2. Claude Lorrain (1600-1682): A painter and etcher, Lorrain was famous for his landscapes, which often featured classical ruins and mythological themes. Image: "The Finding of Moses" by Claude Lorrain, 1651, courtesy of the National Gallery of Art

3. Philippe de Champaigne (1602-1674): A painter and printmaker, Champaigne was known for his portraits and still-life paintings. He was also a prominent figure in the French Academy of Painting and Sculpture.

4. Charles Le Brun (1619-1690): A painter, draughtsman, and art theorist, Le Brun was a dominant figure in French art during the 17th century. He was also the director of the French Academy of Painting and Sculpture.

5. Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743): A portrait painter, Rigaud was known for his portraits of European royalty and nobility. Image: "Portrait of Louis XIV" by Hyacinthe Rigaud, 1701, courtesy of the Louvre Museum

6. François Girardon (1628-1715): A sculptor, Girardon was known for his works in marble and bronze, which often featured mythological and allegorical themes.

These artists, among others, played a significant role in shaping the artistic landscape of 17th-century France. Their works continue to inspire and influence artists to this day.

Sources:

• "French Painting in the 17th Century" by Web Gallery of Art (https://www.wga.hu/tours/french/17_cent.html)
• "French Paintings of the 17th and 18th Centuries" by National Gallery of Art (https://www.nga.gov/collection/paintings/french-painting-17th-and-18th-centuries.html)
• "Seventeenth Century, 1600-1699" by Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (https://nelson-atkins.org/fpc/seventeenth-century-1600-1699/)