OPPENORDT, Gilles-Marie
(b. 1672, Paris, d. 1742, Paris)

Biography

French architect and decorative designer. Oppenordt was the son of the cabinetmaker Alexandre-Jean Oppenordt and pupil of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, and was one of the most charming decorative artists of the 18th century. He was granted an income and went to work in Rome for eight years, where he was influenced by Bernini and Borromini.

Most notable among his work are designs for the high altars at Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Saint-Sulpice. He also worked on the decoration of the house at Assy, the château at La Grange-du-Milieu and the Royal Palace. However, his most acclaimed works are his models for decorative features, some of which were engraved by Hecquier, thereby bringing him widespread popularity. Oppenordt himself made etchings. He played an important role in the development of Rococo style, which he was able to handle with a lightness of touch.