(1593-1652) French painter. He was active in Lorraine, patronized by the duke of Lorraine, Richelieu, and perhaps also by Louis XIII. Many of his pictures are illuminated by a single source of light, with deep contrasts of light and shade, as in Joseph the Carpenter about 1645 (Louvre, Paris). They range from religious paintings to domestic genre scenes.
Although famous during his lifetime, La Tour's reputation has only been reestablished in the 20th century. Since much of his work was unsigned, many 20-century scholars have argued the attribution of his work.

Town in Missouri (USA).