Hubert Robert was born on May 22, 1733, in Paris, France. His father, Nicolas, worked for a French diplomat, and it was through this connection that Hubert was able to start his artistic career. He showed a talent for art from a young age, and his father's employer helped him get to Rome to further his studies.
Hubert Robert began his artistic training in the studio of sculptor Michel-Ange Slodtz. Under Slodtz's guidance, he learned the principles of design and perspective. However, it was Slodtz's encouragement for Hubert to explore painting that truly set him on his path as a painter.
As a young artist, Hubert Robert was drawn to the landscapes of Italy and France. His paintings often depicted vast landscapes with partially fictitious ruins, a style that would later become characteristic of the Romanticism movement. His unique artistic vision quickly gained him recognition in the art world, and his works were soon sought after by collectors and museums alike.
Hubert Robert narrowly escaped the guillotine during the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. Despite the chaos and danger around him, his passion for art and his dedication to his craft allowed him to persevere through this challenging time.
Throughout his career, Hubert Robert's talent and dedication to his craft earned him significant success and recognition. His works were collected by prestigious institutions such as the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, solidifying his place in art history as a master of landscapes and ruins.
In addition to his solo work, Hubert Robert also collaborated with other prominent figures of his time. Voltaire, the famous French philosopher, employed him to decorate the new theater at Ferney, showcasing his talent for creating immersive and intricately detailed works of art.
Hubert Robert's legacy as a painter in the school of Romanticism endures to this day. His contributions to the art world continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, cementing his place as one of the great artists of his era.