Simon Vouet (1590–1649) was a pivotal French Baroque painter who played a major role in introducing the dramatic Italian style to France. Born in Paris, Vouet began his artistic career early and traveled to Italy in his twenties, where he absorbed the influences of Caravaggio and other Italian masters. His work in Rome gained him considerable acclaim, and in 1624 he was elected president of the Accademia di San Luca, a prestigious position among artists. In 1627, King Louis XIII summoned Vouet back to France, appointing him as the court painter. There, Vouet became instrumental in shaping the artistic direction of the French Baroque, blending Italian tenebrism and dynamism with French elegance and decorum. He trained a generation of prominent artists, including Charles Le Brun and Eustache Le Sueur, who would later dominate French art in the 17th century. Vouet’s prolific output included religious scenes, allegorical works, portraits, and decorative commissions for royal residences. His influence helped lay the foundation for the grandeur of Louis XIV’s artistic vision. Though his fame was somewhat eclipsed after his death, Simon Vouet remains a key figure in the evolution of French painting, bridging the gap between Italian Baroque and classical French art.