David, PIERRE JEAN

David, PIERRE JEAN, a French sculptor, known as David d'Angers, was born at Angers, 12th March 1789. In spite of the opposition of his father, a talented wood-carver, he resolved to become an artist; and after studying in the art schools of his native town, he made his way on foot to Paris in 1808, and placed himself under Jacques Louis David, the painter. In 1811 his 'Death of Epaminondas' gained the 'grand prix,' and David proceeded to Rome, where, though he became intimate with Canova, he preserved his own individuality, and produced works modern in feeling and full of strongly marked character. In 1816 he returned to France. A statue of the Great Condé, which he executed about this time, established his reputation. In 1826 he was named a member of the Institute, and appointed a professor in the School of the Fine Arts; in 1828, and again in 1834, he visited Germany. During the July revolution, David fought in the ranks of the people, and in consequence he was employed by the new government to execute the pediment of the Pantheon (1835-37). By many it is considered his chef d'œuvre. In 1848 the well-known republicanism of the artist procured for him the honour of a seat in the Constituent Assembly. After the coup d'état he was sent into exile, and went to Greece, but soon after returned to France. He died 5th January 1856. In the museum of Angers about two hundred of David's works in relief and the round are preserved, as well as some four hundred of his medallions and many of his drawings. Besides its artistic value this collection possesses the greatest historical interest, as including portraits of the most eminent of the sculptor's contemporaries. See his Life by Jouin (1878).