A Life Illuminated: The World of Alexis Grimou Alexis Grimou, a name perhaps less instantly recognizable than those of his celebrated contemporaries, nevertheless occupies a vital and fascinating niche in the history of 18th-century French art. Born in Argenteuil in 1678 and passing away in Paris in 1733, Grimou carved out a unique path as a portraitist, earning him the evocative moniker “the French Rembrandt.” This title wasn’t merely bestowed for stylistic imitation; it acknowledged a shared mastery of light and shadow, an ability to penetrate beyond surface appearances and reveal the inne…