A Life Between France and Rome
Born in Valence, France, Nicolas Pinson was the son of Jean Pinson, a master wood sculptor. He acquired his initial artistic training within this familial environment. In 1653, he left his home to travel to Rome, where he would spend the majority of his professional career. During his time in Italy, he studied under the academicians of Saint Luke and was associated with fellow Frenchmen such as Gilles Garcin, as well as Italians like Pietro Lucatelli and Ludovico Gimignani. His professional success was aided by his connections with art merchants, including Paolo Plincene and Jean-Louis Pilleporte.
Pinson's career was marked by significant recognition from the Accademia di San Luca. He was awarded the third prize in a competition in 1663 and achieved the first prize in May 1664. In 1668, he traveled to Aix-en-Provence, where he contributed to the decoration of the Grande Chambre du Parlement at the palais comtal. His work in this location included three paintings that are now housed in the Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte. He later returned to Rome, where he painted for the chapel of the church of Saint-Louis-des-Français, and eventually died in Rome on March 12, 1681.
Artistic Works and Subjects
As a painter, draftsman, and etcher, Pinson explored various religious and historical themes. His documented works include:
In the church of Saint-Louis-des-Français, he produced a painting depicting a subject involving Anne of Austria presenting a project for the facade of the church of Saint-Louis-des-Français in Madrid to Saint Louis.
