Jean Denis Attiret facts for kids

Jean Denis Attiret (born July 31, 1702 – died December 8, 1768) was a French painter. He was also a Jesuit missionary who worked in Qing China.

Early Life and Art

Jean Denis Attiret was born in Dole, France. He went to Rome, Italy, to study art. He became well-known for painting portraits of people. While he was training to become a Jesuit, he painted in churches in France.

In 1737, Attiret traveled to China. The Qianlong Emperor gave him a special job. He became the "Painter to the Emperor." The emperor wanted Attiret to paint using Chinese styles. Because of this, Attiret's paintings started to look very Chinese. He often painted nature, like trees, fruit, fish, and other animals. He painted these on glass or silk. He also painted many portraits of the emperor's family and people at court. He is known for painting at least 200 portraits!

Famous Battle Paintings

The Qianlong Emperor won many important military campaigns (big wars) in Central Asia. He wanted paintings to show these victories. Attiret was one of four Jesuit artists who worked on these paintings.

They created 16 large pictures of the battles. These pictures were later made into engravings in France in 1774. This was six years after Attiret passed away in Beijing.

See also

• Jesuit China missions

Images for kids

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  This painting from 1758 shows the Victory of Khorgos. It was painted by Jean-Denis Attiret.

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  This is an engraving from 1774, also showing the Victory of Khorgos. It was made by Jacques-Philippe Le Bas after Attiret's painting. It is now in the Louvre Museum.

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  This portrait, called "La Concubine," is thought to be of Empress Nara. Jean Denis Attiret painted it around 1750. It is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Dole.