The artwork in question, “Andre Benoit Barreau, called Taurel,” was created by the renowned artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres in 1819. This piece is an oil painting on canvas and is classified within the Neoclassicism movement. As is typical of Ingres’ oeuvre, this work is a portrait, known for its precise draftsmanship and clean lines that characterize the Neoclassical style. Currently, the artwork is held in a private collection.
Depicted in the artwork is the figure of Andre Benoit Barreau, also known as Taurel. The subject is portrayed with a focused gaze, looking directly out of the canvas, engaging the viewer. The subject’s face exhibits a sense of introspection, indicative of the Neoclassical emphasis on calm rationality. He appears in attire befitting the early 19th century—a formal coat and high-collared shirt, accentuating the subject’s stature and social status.
The execution of the portrait is precise, with particular attention paid to the contours and details of the subject’s face, eyeglasses, and clothing, capturing the texture and folds of the fabric. Ingres’s skill is evidenced in the lifelike representation of Taurel, from the soft tones of his skin to the reflective surfaces of his glasses. The backdrop is merely suggested, providing just enough context to situate the subject without detracting from the focal point of the work—the character and presence of Taurel himself.
Indeed, the piece demonstrates Ingres’s mastery of form and composition, conveying the elegance and restraint characteristic of Neoclassicism, reflecting the period’s artistic ideals through a personal lens. While the portrait’s exact location in a private collection is undisclosed, the reverence for the depicted individual and the artistry of the painter is palpable, capturing a moment in time with a clarity that transcends the era of its creation.