Louis Carrogis Paintings

Louis Carrogis, commonly known by his pseudonym Carmontelle, was a French dramatist, painter, architect, and creator of landscape gardens, best known for his work as a portraitist and designer of several Parisian gardens during the 18th century. Born on August 15, 1717, in Paris, he became a prominent figure in French high society, illustrating the Enlightenment's fascination with multidisciplinary talents.

Carmontelle's professional life was diverse; he served as a tutor, an engineer in the French army, and later became the official designer of gardens for the Duke of Orléans. His work for the Duke included the design of the Parc Monceau, which remains one of the notable gardens in Paris, reflecting the picturesque style of the period.

In painting, Carmontelle is particularly remembered for his 'transparentes', a form of gouache painting on translucent paper, which he placed in front of a light source to create a luminous effect. He also invented a form of entertainment called the 'défilé', which was a predecessor to modern cinema; it involved hand-painted scenes on a long roll of paper that were scrolled across a lighted box to tell a story or depict a landscape, creating a moving picture effect.

His works were characterized by their light-heartedness and charm, often capturing his subjects in relaxed, informal poses that revealed their personalities. Carmontelle's portraits were in high demand, and he depicted many notable figures of his time, including philosophers, writers, and members of the aristocracy.

Carmontelle's life spanned a tumultuous period in French history, including the reign of Louis XV, the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution. Despite the political upheaval, he managed to maintain his position in society and continued to work until the end of his life. He passed away on December 26, 1806, having left behind a legacy of art that offers unique insights into the social and cultural life of the French elite during the 18th century.