ROSSEAU (James), an eminent painter, was born
at Paris, and studied first under Swanevelt, who had married one of his relations; after which he improved himself by travelling into Italy, practising solely in perspective, architecture, and landscape. On his return home, he was employed at Marly; but, being a Protestant, quitted his work on the persecution of his brethren, and retired to Switzerland. Louvois invited him back; he refused, but sent his designs, and recommended a proper person to execute them. After a short stay in Switzerland, he went to Holland; whence he was invited over to England by Ralph duke of Montague, to adorn his new house in Bloomsbury, where he painted much. Some of his pictures, both in landscape and architecture, are over doors at Hampton-Court; and he etched some of his own designs. He died in Soho-square, about the year 1694, aged 68.