Simon Vouet, (born January 9, 1590, Paris, France - died June 30, 1649, Paris), painter who introduced an Italianate Baroque style** of painting into France. Vouet formed his style in Italy, where he lived from 1612 to 1627. The use of dramatic contrasts of light and shade seen in such early works as his Two Lovers indicates that he began in Rome as a follower of Caravaggio**.