J.G Wille

Johann Georg Wille, also known as Jean Georges Wille (5 November 1715 - 5 April 1808), was a German-born copper engraver who spent most of his life in France, where he also worked as an art dealer. Born near Biebertal, he was the eldest of seven children. From a young age, Wille showed an interest in art, drawing birds and faces and copying illustrations from his father's Bible. He initially studied mathematics in Giessen but eventually pursued art, learning engraving from a local gunsmith.

In 1736, Wille began his journeyman years, traveling through various cities before arriving in Paris. There, he met engraver Georg Friedrich Schmidt and painter Friedrich Wilhelm Hoeder. Wille stayed with Schmidt and worked on decorating rifle stocks and engraving watches until he was accepted at the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture. He first gained attention for his talent when publisher Michel Odieuvre hired him to create illustrations for a book, though he was poorly paid.

Wille's reputation grew after his engravings of portraits by Nicolas de Largillière caught the eye of Hyacinthe Rigaud, leading to commissions that established him as a sought-after artist. He became a French citizen and was designated as "Engraver to the King." In 1753, he opened an engraving school and became a member of the Académie in 1761. Wille's work for the courts of Denmark and the Holy Roman Empire, along with his art dealing, allowed him to amass a considerable fortune.

Despite his success, Wille lost most of his belongings during the French Revolution. In 1793, a cannon blast caused him to lose his hearing, and he was named a Knight in the Legion of Honor. He gradually became blind and struggled to support himself by selling his earlier works. Wille died impoverished at the age of ninety-three. His legacy includes his influence on portrait engraving and his contributions to the art community in France.