Ferdinand Roybet

Roybet attained immediate success with his exquisitely crafted compositions inspired by Medieval and Renaissance subjects. He studied under Jean Vibert, though his greatest influences were Dutch and Flemish 17th century masters as well as Northern European genre painting, celebrated in France in the early 17th century. Roybet’s interest in Dutch painting led him to replace canvas with mahogany boards prepared with a light-toned ground, so as to affect a mesmerizing glabrous surface. His anecdotal subject matter, often inspired by historical subjects, made him extremely popular with burgeoning bourgeoisie collectors, who furnished their homes with Roybet’s compositions. Additionally, many clients commissioned Roybet to paint their portraits wearing 17th century costume.