Henri Gascar (c. 1635 – 1701)

• Was a French painter.
• Gascar was born in Paris, the son of Pierre Gascar, a minor painter and sculptor.
• Gascar came to England about 1674.
• Gascar was already known as a skillful portrait-painter; among the portraits already painted by him was that of Nicolas de Lafond, author of the "Gazette of Holland", painted in 1667.
• The patronage of the Duchess of Portsmouth ensured Gascar a rapid success in England.
• He painted many leading ladies at court, including several of the King's mistresses, before returning to Paris.
• On his return to Paris, Gascar was elected a member of the Académie Royale there on 26 October 1680.

• He subsequently went to Rome, where he enjoyed a high reputation, and died there on 1 January 1701, aged 66.

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