He studied under Joseph-Marie Vien and was a pupil of École Royale des Éleves Protégés.

He was a leader of the neoclassical and historical movement in French art, along with his rival Jacques-Louis David, another pupil of Vien.

He was influenced by the art of classical antiquity, by the masters of the Italian High Renaissance, especially Raphael.

[2][3] François-André Vincent was one of the principal innovators of the subjects and themes in French art of Neoclassical style and his works were of a high standard.

Towards the end of his life he painted less due to ill health, but he continued to receive official honours.