Jean Philippe Goulu

The reference books give conflicting data concerning Jean Philippe Goulu. It remains uncertain whether he was actually born in Geneva or was a Frenchman, as he himself liked to insist. The years of his birth and death remain vague. There is no doubt, however, that Goulu immigrated to South America as a young man. At first he was employed as court painter to the princes of Bragança. (The court existed from 1807 to 1889 in Brazil, and in Portugal until 1910.) Unfavourable conditions, bad payment and fear of illness caused him to give up this secure post. In 1815 or 1816 he reached Buenos Aires where he lived until his death. He worked as an independent miniaturist and painter in oils and was held in great esteem. There is evidence that he worked as drawing master from 1825 to 1850.