Amor en Psyche

1624

Departure for Rome

Thanks to the financial assistance of Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc, he went to Rome, where he briefly studied engraving under Francesco Villamena, who died that same year, and then studied under the painter Simon Vouet, who encouraged him to draw from life.

1624–1636

Acquaintance with Poussin and Bernini

During his Roman years he became acquainted with outstanding artists: Nicolas Poussin, Pierre Mignard, Claude Lorrain, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

1624–1636 · Workplace

Rome

after 1631

Engravings for the "Galleria Giustiniana"

After 1631 he worked on engravings of antique statues from the collection of Marchese Vincenzo Giustiniani for the "Galleria Giustiniana"; the project was directed by Joachim von Sandrart.

1636–1688 · Workplace

Paris

1637

Move to Paris and a New Technique

Back in Paris, he developed a distinctive technique: instead of chiaroscuro achieved by cross-hatching, a system of parallel lines whose tone is regulated by their thickness and density. He took up residence in the Louvre.