Claude Charles

Claude Charles (6 January 1661, Nancy, Duchy of Lorraine – 4 June 1747, Nancy) was a historical and decorative painter from the Duchy of Lorraine. He also served as a Herald-at-Arms.

Life and work He was the son of Jean Charles, an attorney for the local bailiwick and a notary. His first art lessons were in Épinal with Jean-George Gérard (1642–1690); a painter of religious scenes.

At the age of only sixteen, he went to Rome. There, he spent nine years working with Giovanni Maria Morandi and Carlo Maratta, as well as several other artists. Later, he spent a short time in Paris, copying the works of Poussin at the gallery owned by Paul Fréart de Chantelou.

He returned to Nancy in 1688. Two years later, he married Anne Racle, from a family of goldsmiths and engravers. Twenty-seven of his works are classified as historical monuments.

Selected works