François Joseph Heim

Who was François Joseph Heim?

François Joseph Heim was a French painter.

He was born at Belfort. He early distinguished himself at the École Centrale of Strassburg, and in 1803 entered the studio of Vincent at Paris. He was a fellow student of Horace Vernet. He won the second place in the 1806 Prix de Rome. In 1807 he obtained the first prize, and in 1812 his picture of "The Arrival of Jacob in Mesapotomia" won for him a gold medal of the first class, which he again obtained in 1817, when he exhibited, together with other works, a St John — bought by Vivant Denon. And Jacob appeared again as he submitted Joseph's Coat Brought Back to Jacob to the Salon of 1817.

In 1819 the "Resurrection of Lazarus", the "Martyrdom of St Cyr", and two scenes from the life of Vespasian attracted attention. In 1823 the "Re-erection of the Royal Tombs at St Denis," the "Martyrdom of St Laurence" and several full-length portraits increased the painter's popularity; and in 1824, when he exhibited his great canvas, the "Massacre of the Jews", Heim was rewarded with the Legion of Honour.