Sébastien Barras

1653–1703, Aix-en-Provence

The painter and engraver, Sébastien Barras, received his initial artistic training in Aix from Boyer d’Aguilles, a nobleman and collector well versed in matters of art. As Barras’ mentor he encouraged the artist to go to Rome to continue his training there. After returning to Aix, Barras initially worked as a painter, although his real talent was as an engraver. He executed most of his works using the mezzotint technique that had been introduced just a few decades earlier and was still relatively unknown in France.