COURTOIS, JACQUES (1621-1676) and GUILLAUME (1628-1679). The two French painters who bore these names are also called by the Italian equivalents Giacomo (or Jacopo) Cortese and Guglielmo Cortese. Each of the brothers is likewise named, from his native province, Le Bourguignon, or Il Borgog none.
Jacques Courtois was born at St. Hippolyte, near Besancon, in 1621. His father, whose pupil he became, was a painter. Towards 164o he went to Bologna, and studied under Guido; thence he proceeded to Rome, where he entered upon his own characteristic style of art, that of battle-painting, in which he has been accounted to excel all other old masters. Prince Mat thias of Tuscany employed Courtois on some striking works in his villa, Lappeggio, representing with much historical accuracy the prince's military exploits. In Venice the artist executed for the senator Sagredo some remarkable battle-pieces. In Florence he entered the Society of Jesus, taking the habit in Rome in 1655. As a Jesuit, Courtois painted many works in churches and monasteries of the society. He lived piously in Rome, and died there on May 20, 1676 (some accounts say 167o or 1671).
Guillaume Courtois, born likewise at St. Hippolyte, came to Italy with his brother. He went at once to Rome, and entered the school of Pietro da Cortona. He studied also the Bolognese painters and Giovanni Barbieri. He painted the "Battle of Joshua" in the Quirinal gallery and the "Crucifixion of St. An drew" in the church of that saint on Monte Cavallo ; he also exe cuted some etchings. Guillaume Courtois died on June 15, 1679.