Bernard Picart
First and last name
Bernard Picart
Date of birth
1673, Paris
Date of death
1733, Amsterdam
Bernard Picart was a French draftsman, engraver, and book illustrator who settled in Amsterdam. He was interested in cultural and religious customs. Born in 1673 in Paris as the son of Etienne Picart, a well-known engraver, he began his studies at the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture in 1689, learning under masters such as Charles Le Brun.
After the death of his wife and children, Picart moved to The Hague in 1710, collaborating with other Huguenots. He settled in Amsterdam in 1711, marrying Anna Vincent. Picart opened his own engraving school and gained recognition through collaborations with local artists.
His most famous work is "Cérémonies et coutumes religieuses de tous les peuples du monde," showcasing the diversity of religious rituals and beliefs. This work achieved success despite condemnation from the Catholic Church. Bernard Picart passed away on May 8, 1733, in Amsterdam.