Vuez, Arnold

Vuez, Arnold a French painter, was born at Oppenois, near Saint-Omer, in 1642. He first received instruction from a Jewish painter of Saint-Omer, who recommended him to visit Paris, whither he went, and entered the school of Frere Luc, remaining three years, and then went to Italy. At Rome he studied the grand works of art, and carried off the first prize at the academy. The prince Pamilfi took him under his protection, and secured for him many commissions; but his success awakened envy among his rivals, and various plots: were formed against his life. At length, in a personal encounter, he killed the intending assassin in self-defense. Shortly after this he received an invitation from Le Brun to visit Paris, which he accepted, and was kindly received by that artist. The king gave him a pension, and he executed many good works. He removed to Lille for the purpose of painting a picture of the Presentation in the Temple for the Church of the Hospital, and while there he received so many commissions that he decided to remain there permanently. He was chosen alderman of the city, and died in 1724. Vuez executed many pictures for the churches of Lille, Cambray, and Douay, among the best of which are The Resurrection: The Martyrdom of St. Andrew: — The Judgment of Solomon: — Daniel in the Den of Lions: The Discovery of the Promised Land: — and The Descent from the Cross. See Spooner, Biog. Hist. of the Fine Arts, s, v.