Pierre Quesnel facts for kids
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Pierre Quesnel (c. 1502 – c. 1580) was a French artist from the 1500s. He is known for his work in Scotland. He painted for important people like Mary of Guise and King James V.
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Pierre Quesnel: A Royal Artist
Pierre Quesnel was a special artist who worked for the royal family in Scotland. He was listed as an "Usher" in Mary of Guise's household. An usher was someone who helped manage the royal household. He was also called the "queen's painter" in official Scottish records. Artists at the French court sometimes had roles like ushers or personal assistants.
Working for Kings and Queens
Pierre Quesnel received £10 when Mary of Guise was crowned queen. This shows he was an important part of the royal court. He married Madeleine Digby in Scotland. His oldest son, François Quesnel, who also became a famous painter, was born in Edinburgh.
Other French artists worked on Scottish royal palaces too. These included Andrew Mansioun, who carved wood and worked with metal, and Nicolas Roy, a mason. Pierre Quesnel was mentioned in Mary of Guise's accounts even after King James V died. However, it seems he returned to France with his family around 1544.
A Family of Painters
Pierre's sons, Nicolas and Jacques Quesnel, also became artists. We still have several chalk portraits made by François and Nicolas. Jacques's art is known from only one drawing called Time slaying Youth. This shows that art was a family talent for the Quesnels!
What Happened to His Art?
Most of Pierre Quesnel's artwork has been lost over time. But a few pieces still exist. One is an Architectural Study inspired by Jacques I Androuet du Cerceau. This drawing is kept at a famous art school in Paris, France, called the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Another drawing is a view of the Château of Sées.
A French writer from the 1600s, Michel de Marolles, wrote about Pierre. He said Pierre designed a stained-glass window in Paris in 1557. This window showed the Ascension of Christ and included portraits of King Henri II and Catherine de Medici. Sadly, this window has been destroyed. Marolles also said that Pierre and his son François designed tapestries. These tapestries are also lost. However, there is a portrait of Pierre himself, painted by Nicolas or François in 1574.
Some historians believe Pierre Quesnel was more of a decorative painter. This means he painted things like walls and fireplaces, rather than just portraits. This idea comes from his small salary as an usher in Scotland. Records show Pierre and François Quesnel painted panels and fireplaces in Paris in 1570.
A Special Gift from the King
In 1541, Mary of Guise's mother, Antoinette de Bourbon, wrote a thank-you letter. She thanked her daughter for a "diamond" sent by King James V. This "diamond" was likely a small portrait of the King. She wrote that she loved the picture very much and would keep it forever. She even joked that Mary of Guise might be jealous of how much she loved it!
Pierre Quesnel's Lasting Impact
Even today, Pierre Quesnel's story inspires art. The restored palace at Stirling Castle in Scotland has new paintwork. This artwork, done in 2010, was designed with Pierre Quesnel's history in mind. It helps us remember his contributions to Scottish royal art.
