Louis Caravaque French painter Date of Birth: 31.01.1684 Country: France

1. Early Life and Artistic Background
2. Arrival in Russia and Patronage under Peter the Great
3. Court Painter under Anna Ioannovna
4. Official Portraitist under Elizabeth Petrovna
5. Legacy and Burial

Early Life and Artistic Background

Louis Caravaque was born in Marseille, France, into a family of artists. His father was a decorative painter specializing in ship ornamentation, and Louis followed in his footsteps, working at the Marseille Arsenal. Caravaque's brothers, Jean Baptiste and Joseph, were also sculptors.

Arrival in Russia and Patronage under Peter the Great

In 1715, Caravaque's portraits caught the attention of Peter Lefort, an envoy of Peter the Great. Impressed, Lefort offered Caravaque a three-year contract to work in Russia as a painter and art instructor. In 1716, Caravaque arrived in Russia and was assigned to the Office of Buildings, where he began training Russian students. He also lived on Vasilyevsky Island in a house gifted to him by Peter I in 1722.

Court Painter under Anna Ioannovna

During the reign of Anna Ioannovna, Caravaque was appointed "first court master of painting." He painted her coronation portrait and participated in the festivities. In 1743, he was commissioned to create fourteen portraits of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna for Russian embassies abroad.

Official Portraitist under Elizabeth Petrovna

Caravaque's skill as a portrait painter made him the official portraitist of Elizabeth Petrovna. He created the "approved" image of the empress and participated in the decoration of her coronation.

Legacy and Burial

Louis Caravaque died in Saint Petersburg and was buried in the cemetery of the Sampson Cathedral. He left a significant legacy as one of the most prominent representatives of "Rossica," an artistic style that depicted Russian history and culture.