Jean-Pierre Granger (11 March 1779 – 1 December 1840) was a French painter who worked in theNeo-Classical style. He is primarily known for portraits, history paintings, and mythological scenes. He also created numerous religious works. Some sources incorrectly call himJean-Perrin.
He was born in Paris. His father was a glazier. At the age of six, he became adrum major in the "Régiment Royal-Bonbons",[citation needed] a children's branch of theFrench Guards which was intended to provide "manly, patriotic training". However, it also served as a form of amusement for theDauphin.
Two years later, his father made the acquaintance of Angélique Briceau (fl.1780-1800), a watercolorist who gave lessons to both of them. Shortly after, she marriedLouis-Jean Allais [fr], who then gave them lessons in engraving. Granger worked as an engraver for seven years but eventually felt constrained by the limits of that medium and entered the studios ofJean-Baptiste Regnault to study oil painting. Four years later, he worked closely withJacques-Louis David.[1]
In 1800, he was awarded thePrix de Rome for his painting ofAntiochus, sending his son toScipio. His colleague,Ingres, who came in second, accused David of using his influence on the jury.[2]
While in Rome, he worked forLucien Bonaparte, making sketches and paintings of the Prince's antiquities collection. He also began a portrait of Bonaparte's wife,Alexandrine de Bleschamp. However, he (and some others) found it unsatisfactory. Hence, he turned it into a painting of an anonymous lady of the court. This portrait (now in theLouvre) pleased him so much that he married the model, Jeanne-Catherine Delaigle.[1]
He returned to Paris in 1812, and exhibited annually at theSalon until his death, receiving medals in 1812, 1817, and 1820.[3] He died on 1 December 1840 in Paris.
His daughter, Eléonore Palmyre (1819–1874), a pianist of some note, married the writerPaul Meurice. Her portrait was painted by Ingres, who had gotten over his grudge and became her godfather. It is currently on display at theMaison de Victor Hugo.[1]
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