The artwork “Emmanuel Joseph Sieyes,” created by Jacques-Louis David in the year 1817, is an oil painting on canvas that embodies the principles of the Neoclassicism movement. This portrait, with dimensions of 97.8 by 74 cm, is housed within the prestigious confines of the Fogg Museum, which is part of the Harvard Art Museums located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
The portrait features a mature gentleman, seated comfortably with an air of quiet introspection. His gaze is direct and placid, meeting the viewer with a subtle hint of engagement. His attire is somber and modest; a dark coat envelops his form, over which a white scarf or cravat is discernible. The subdued palette of the artwork, with its restrained use of color, focuses the viewer’s attention predominantly on the subject’s face and hands, highlighting the delicate play of light and shadow that adds depth and dimension to his features.
The artist’s signature, “L David,” can be seen in the lower left of the artwork, adding a sense of authenticity and underscoring the creative provenance of the piece. Notably, the top right corner of the artwork bears an inscription which appears to indicate the subject’s age at the time of the portrait, further personalizing this dignified depiction.
Overall, the artwork stands as a testament to the elegance and clarity characteristic of Neoclassical portraiture, capturing the essence of its subject with a timeless grace and rendering a poignant sense of the historical period it represents.