Charles Amédée Philippe Van Loo

Charles Amédée Philippe Van Loo was a French painter known for his allegorical scenes and portraits. He studied under his father, Jean-Baptiste van Loo, in Turin and Rome, where he won the Prix de Rome in 1738. Van Loo became a member of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in 1747. His work includes the only known real-life portrait of the Marquis de Sade. He was also fascinated with optical themes, evident in his inventive compositions like ‘The Camera Obscura’.

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Van Loo's interest in optical themes led him to create works that incorporated visual tricks, such as a portrait of Louis XV that became visible only when viewed through a faceted lens. This innovative approach to art reflects his fascination with contemporary scientific culture and optical devices.

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