Portrait of a Man by Jean-Baptiste Perronneau, pastel, National Gallery of Art

Perronneau was born in Paris and studied under the portrait painter François Le Moyne. He gained recognition for his portraits, which were noted for their realism and attention to detail. He was particularly skilled at capturing the likeness and character of his sitters. Perronneau's portraits were much sought after by the French aristocracy and he received many commissions from prominent figures of his time. He was also a member of the Académie de Saint-Luc, an association of artists and craftsmen in Paris. In addition to portraits, Perronneau also painted genre scenes and still lifes. He was influenced by the Dutch painters of the 17th century, especially Vermeer, and his work reflects their emphasis on light and composition. Despite his success during his lifetime, Perronneau's reputation declined after his death and he was largely forgotten until the 20th century. Today, his portraits are highly regarded for their technical skill and sensitivity to his subjects.