The artwork “Charles-Marie-Jean-Baptiste Marcotte (Marcotte d’Argenteuil)” by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, created in 1810, is an exemplar of the Neoclassicism art movement. The portrait is executed in oil on canvas, with dimensions of 93.7 x 69.4 cm. As a genre, it falls within the ambit of portraiture.
The portrayal presents a male figure, presumably Charles-Marie-Jean-Baptiste Marcotte, depicted against a subdued, monochromatic background that focuses attention on the subject. The individual occupies the majority of the frame, exuding a sense of importance and contemplation. His gaze is direct, creating an engaging visual dialogue with the viewer.
The subject is attired in an elegant dark blue coat with broad lapels over a brown jacket and a vivid yellow waistcoat, emblematic of the period’s fashion. The red badge of honor placed on the lapel of the coat adds a layer of distinction to his status. His physical stance is expressive of confidence, with one arm resting on a ledge, hinting at his social standing or intellectual leanings.
The meticulous brushwork, smooth textural rendering of the fabrics, and the subdued yet precise use of light and shadow on the face are characteristic of Ingres’ mastery and his dedication to Neoclassical ideals, which favored clarity of line and structured composition. The artwork resonates with the balance and restraint that typified portraiture of the era, while also communicating a palpable sense of the sitter’s personality.