Pierre Gobert was a French painter, born in Fontainebleau in 1662. He was best known for his portraits of the royal families of Louis XIV and Louis XV of France, along with other high-ranking members of French aristocracy. Gobert came from an artistic family; his father, Jean II Gobert, was also a painter. He became a master in the painters' guild of Paris in 1681.
Gobert's career was closely associated with the French court. His ability to capture the opulence and grandeur of the age in his portraits made him a popular choice among the nobility. His works were characterized by their elaborate detail, vibrant colors, and the sense of presence he brought to his subjects. Gobert's portraits were not only flattering but also served to reinforce the power and status of his sitters.
In 1701, Gobert was appointed as a court painter for the Duke of Lorraine. This role further enhanced his reputation, and soon after, he received commissions from other European courts. Despite his success, there is not a lot of information available about his personal life, and he never held the title of First Painter to the King, a position that was considered the most prestigious at that time.
Gobert's legacy includes a significant number of portraits that offer a window into the French court during the 17th and early 18th centuries. His works can be found in various museums and collections worldwide. Pierre Gobert passed away in Paris in 1744, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied and admired for its historical value and artistic merit.
