Jean-Marc Nattier (1685-1766) was a renowned French painter of the 18th century, celebrated for his refined portraits of aristocratic women in allegorical or mythological guise. A prominent artist of the Rococo period, Nattier's style blended classical allusions with decorative charm, embodying the opulence and theatricality of Louis XV's court. Born into a family of artists, Nattier received a strong foundation in art from an early age. He developed his skills under his father's guidance and later attended the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. Nattier's precocious abilities quickly drew attention, and he won first prize at the Academy in 1703. Initially aspiring to become a history painter, Nattier shifted to portraiture due to financial constraints caused by the Mississippi Bubble in the early 1720s. He found success painting portraits that combined realism with allegory, capturing the idealized images of women as goddesses or classical heroines. Nattier's style is characterized by elegance, fantasy, and polished execution, featuring soft pastel colors and delicate fabrics. His compositions convey poise, elegance, and timeless beauty, making him one of the leading artists of French Rococo. Today, Nattier's paintings are celebrated for their insight into 18th-century French society and their transformation of portraiture into a richly expressive form. Nattier's legacy includes numerous official appointments, including Peintre du Roi (Painter to the King) in 1746, cementing his position as a foremost portraitist. His works can be found in major museums worldwide, including the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, continuing to inspire art historians and collectors alike.