Raphael Bachi
BACHI, RAPHAEL (1717–1767) French miniature painter. Born in Turin, he moved to Paris where he set up as tobacconist and snuff merchant. He learned the art of miniature painting through the decoration of snuff-boxes. His work was recognized when the French court employed him to paint miniature portraits on snuff-boxes presented to foreign notables. His clientele included many members of the nobility such as the Duke of Modena and the Prince de Condé. In an official list of the Jews residing in Paris during the years 1755–1759, he is mentioned as "peintre en miniature, de beaucoup de talent."
Sources: Encyclopaedia Judaica. © 2007 The Gale Group. All Rights Reserved.