Skip to main content

Saint Geneviève, Patron Saint of Paris

1758-1759
Jean Joseph Balechou (French, 1716–1764) After a painting dated 1740 by Carle Vanloo (French, 1705–1765)
After successfully establishing himself as a portrait engraver in Paris in the 1740s, Jean-Joseph Balechou returned to his native Provence, where he began his career as a printmaker in Avignon. Balechou made a business of engraving paintings by contemporary French artists in local collections, including Carle van Loo's Saint-Geneviève, Patron Saint of Paris. Balechou dedicated this print to Louis XV-after receiving official permission to do so from the marquis de Marigny in 1759. This was a savvy move, since the king attributed his recovery from serious illness in 1744 to Saint Geneviève and vowed to rebuild the church in Paris containing her shrine.

Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.