Bardin, John

, a late eminentFrench historical painter, was born in 1732, at Montbar, and died at Orleans October 6, 1809. His parents, who were not rich, sent him to Paris to be brought up to some trade; 'but his taste and genius guided him to the profession in which he lived to make a distinguished figure. In 1764, while a pupil of Lagrenee, he carried off the prize his subject on this occasion was, Tullia driving her chariot over the body of her father. He also made a beautiful design of the “Rape of the Sabines,” and others of “St. Charles Borromeo,” and the “Massacre of the Innocents.” He passed some time at Rome, and on his return to France, painted some pieces which fully established his reputation. Among these are “The Immaculate Conception,” “the Apotheosis of St. Theresa,” and “St Catherine disputing with the Doctors,” the merit of which last procured him admission into the royal academy of painting. In 1795, he was elected a corresponding member of the national institute, and was professor of design in the central school of the Loiret, which took the name of the Orleans Lyceum. His death was much regretted by his family, friends, and scholars. ²