A Life in the French Court
Marc Duval was a French court painter and printmaker who lived and worked during the sixteenth century. Born in Saint-Vincent near Le Mans, he was the son of a sculptor and artist. His professional life was closely tied to the French nobility, and he was recorded as a merchant painter living in Paris. During his career, he was associated with the rulers of Navarre and worked at the court of the last kings of the Valois dynasty.
His life in Paris is documented through various legal and social records. In 1577, he was recorded as a witness to a marriage, and in 1579, he was involved in a lawsuit against Louis de Campania, Comte de la Suz. Duval died in Paris on 13 September 1581, a date he had predicted. He was married to Catherine, and their daughter was also a talented artist who remained in Paris.
Artistic Legacy and Attributions
Duval was recognized for his skill as a draughtsman and engraver. His body of work includes portraits of leaders of the Huguenot faction and various members of the nobility. Some of his works are identified through engravings and drawings, such as a 1579 engraving of the three Coligny brothers.
Art historians have engaged in significant discussion regarding his specific output and attributions. His work is linked to several notable pieces, including:
Questions & Answers
What moods do Marc Duval's artworks express?
Marc Duval's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.
In which historical period did Marc Duval work?
Marc Duval worked in the Renaissance period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
How popular are Marc Duval's artworks?
The Stats page of Marc Duval presents statistics computed from the artist's artworks listed on this website.
