Jean-François de Troy

(d. 1679)

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(bapt. Paris, 27 Jan. 1679; d Rome, 26 Jan. 1752).

French painter and tapestry designer. His successful career was based initially on large historical and allegorical compositions (Time Unveiling Truth, 1733, NG, London), but he is now most highly regarded for his smaller and more spirited scenes of elegant social life. They are among the best of those that rode on the wave of Watteau's success—indeed The Alarm (1723, V&A, London) was attributed to Watteau in the 19th century. In 1738 de Troy was appointed director of the French Academy in Rome, and he spent the rest of his life there. He was one of a family of painters, his father and teacher, François deTroy (1645–1730), being a successful painter of fashionable portraits and director of the Académie Royale from 1708 to 1711.

Subjects: Art.

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