Jacques-Laurent Agasse (1767–1849)

• Was an animal and landscape painter from Switzerland.
• Born at Geneva.

• He studies at the Calabri School of Drawing in his native city, before continuing his training in Paris at the studio of Jacques-Louis David.

• In Paris he also studied in veterinary school to make himself fully acquainted with the anatomy of horses and other animals.

• The French Revolution forces him to return to Geneva and subsequent political events there spell ruin for his family.

• In 1800, with the support of Lord Rivers, whom Agasse had met several years earlier in Geneva, the artist settles in London as a painter of the horses and dogs of rich landowners. 

• Over five hundred canvases signed Jacques-Laurent Agasse are eventually done on British soil.

• In 1827-28, he is notably commissioned by George IV to paint the animals of the royal menagerie. 

• Until 1845 Agasse regularly exhibits at the Royal Academy of London; it is a presence that stretches back four decades.

In the catalogues his name is given as J.L. Agasse or Agassé.

• Next