Jean-Baptiste Regnault (1754–1829) was a prominent French Neoclassical painter known for his historical, mythological, and allegorical works. Born in Paris, Regnault initially went to sea as a cabin boy before pursuing art. He studied under Jean Bardin and later under Anton Raphael Mengs in Rome, where he absorbed the ideals of Neoclassicism.
In 1776, Regnault won the prestigious Prix de Rome, solidifying his artistic reputation. His work exemplified the clarity, symmetry, and moral themes central to Neoclassical art. One of his best-known paintings, *The Education of Achilles* (1780), showcased his mastery of classical themes and his ability to infuse them with emotional depth.
Regnault’s career thrived during both the pre-Revolutionary and Revolutionary periods, earning him commissions from royal and revolutionary patrons alike. His painting *Liberty or Death* (1795) reflected the revolutionary ideals of the time. Regnault was also a respected teacher at the École des Beaux-Arts, where he influenced a generation of artists.
Throughout his life, he exhibited at the Salon and remained a central figure in the French art world. Jean-Baptiste Regnault died in 1829, leaving behind a legacy as one of Neoclassicism’s leading painters.