Francois Roger de Gaignieres Paintings

François Roger de Gaignières was a French genealogist, antiquarian, and collector, known for his significant contributions to the preservation of French historical documents, artifacts, and genealogical records. Born in 1642, de Gaignières came from a wealthy family and received an education that allowed him to pursue his interests in history and genealogy.

He began his career as a genealogist, gaining a reputation for meticulous research and a deep understanding of noble lineages. His work caught the attention of the French nobility, who sought his expertise in tracing their family histories. Through this, he gained access to a vast array of historical documents and artifacts.

De Gaignières's most enduring legacy is his collection, which included an extensive array of portraits, engravings, drawings, and manuscripts. He commissioned artists to make drawings and engravings of tombs, effigies, stained glass, and other artworks from churches and châteaux across France, many of which have since been lost or destroyed. This project resulted in an unparalleled visual archive of French cultural heritage from the medieval and early modern periods.

The collection also contained a wide range of genealogical and historical data, including pedigrees of noble families, records of their alliances and possessions, and various other documents important for the study of French history. His interest in genealogy was not merely academic; he believed that understanding the past was crucial for the society of his time.

Upon his death in 1715, François Roger de Gaignières left behind a unique and irreplaceable collection, which was eventually acquired by the French Royal Library. His work has proven to be of immense value to historians, genealogists, and art historians, providing insights into French history and culture that would have otherwise been lost. Today, his collection is held at the Bibliothèque nationale de France, and it continues to serve as an essential resource for researchers and scholars.