Charles Joseph Natoire (1700–1777) was a celebrated French painter of the Rococo era, known for his graceful compositions, mythological subjects, and decorative works. Born in Nîmes, Natoire trained under renowned artists Louis Galloche and François Lemoyne in Paris. He gained early success with his historical and mythological scenes, which were well-suited to the elegant, lighthearted Rococo style that defined French art in the 18th century. Natoire’s career flourished with commissions from prestigious patrons, including the French court and religious institutions. Among his notable works are the ceiling frescoes at the Château de Fontainebleau and the chapel decorations at the prestigious École Militaire in Paris. In addition to his grand murals, Natoire was a skilled portraitist, capturing the nobility with refined elegance and a soft color palette. In 1751, he was appointed director of the French Academy in Rome, a position that allowed him to mentor aspiring French artists. However, his later years saw a decline in his popularity as tastes shifted away from Rococo toward Neoclassicism. Despite this, Natoire’s work remains celebrated for its technical skill, lighthearted spirit, and decorative beauty, marking him as a key figure in the history of French Rococo painting.