A Life in Provence
Born in Arles, France, Philippe Sauvan was the son of the painter and gilder Honoré Sauvan and Lucresse Bonnel. His artistic journey began under the guidance of his father before he entered an apprenticeship with the painter Pierre Parrocel in Avignon. Following a brief period in Rome, he returned to Avignon, where he married Jeanne-Marie Benoist. The couple had eleven children, including two who became painters: a son, Pierre, and a daughter, Gabrielle.
Sauvan became a prominent painter in the Avignon region, particularly following the plague of 1720. His professional life included teaching several students, such as Jean-Joseph Balechou and Charles François Lacroix. His legacy is also tied to his children, including Jean-Baptiste Marie de Piquet, a noted bibliophile, and Esprit Calvet, the creator of the Musée Calvet in Avignon.
Artistic Works and Commissions
The body of work produced by Philippe Sauvan is characterized by a significant focus on religious subjects, many of which are preserved in various churches throughout the region. His notable religious paintings include:
Beyond ecclesiastical commissions, Sauvan was tasked with secular and civic works. In 1748, the consuls of Avignon commissioned him to decorate a ceiling in the former town hall. This resulted in three panels painted in distemper: La Souveraineté, Le Génie consulaire, and Le Génie ailé du gouvernement. His repertoire also included portraits of notable figures, such as Marie de Grille d'Estoublon and Guillaume de Piquet.
