Jacques Guiaud Français, 1810-1876

French painter, draughtsman and illustrator

Jacques Guiaud was born in Chambéry in 1810. He trained with Louis-Étienne Watelet and later with Richard Parkes Bonington, whose influence is evident in his handling of landscapes and light. He gained early recognition and began exhibiting at the Salon from 1831.

Specializing in landscapes, Guiaud travelled extensively across France and Europe, sketching cities, monuments, and scenic views that would later inspire his paintings and engravings. He worked closely with publishers such as Curmer and Furne, contributing illustrations to major works like Picturesque and Romantic Journeys in Old France. His drawings, both precise and expressive, reflect a deep appreciation for architectural heritage and historical settings.

Starting in 1839, Guiaud also travelled to Algeria, becoming part of the Orientalist movement. He brought back vivid scenes of North African life and landscapes, which he exhibited in Paris. A prolific illustrator, he played a key role in making images of the Orient and French heritage widely accessible to the public.

Jacques Guiaud died in Versailles in 1876. His work, blending Romantic sensibility with documentary precision, stands out for its delicate linework and attention to detail, offering a rich and informed vision of the places he encountered.