Valentin de Boullogne

1594 Coulommiers – 1632 Rome

Valentin de Boullogne went to Rome at a young age and remained there for the rest of his life; he was buried in the church of Santa Maria del Popolo. He is said to have been student of Simon Vouet, who was about the same age as Valentin. His work was profoundly influenced by the Caravaggists, especially in its emphasis on the contrasting effects of light and shadow. During his fairly short life Valentin became a prolific author of genre and historical paintings and is considered the most important French follower of Caravaggio. Only one autograph etching by him is known.