Head of Saint John the Evangelist by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

Head of Saint John the Evangelist - Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres -

Artwork Information

TitleHead of Saint John the Evangelist
ArtistJean Auguste Dominique Ingres
Art MovementNeoclassicism

About Head of Saint John the Evangelist

The artwork “Head of Saint John the Evangelist” is a portrait by the esteemed artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, created within the Neoclassical movement. This period of art was characterized by a desire to return to the classical simplicity and grandeur of ancient Greece and Rome. The genre of the artwork is portraiture, which can be appreciated as a direct and intimate representation of its subject.

The artwork presents a close-up view focusing on the saint’s visage. It depicts Saint John the Evangelist with a gentle and serene expression, his gaze slightly downcast, suggesting a moment of reflection or prayer. His features are rendered with meticulous precision, highlighting Ingres’ skill and attention to the subtleties of form and light. The saint is portrayed with a halo just visible behind his head, reinforcing his sanctity and position as a venerated figure within Christian iconography.

Ingres’ mastery in the use of chiaroscuro (the contrast of light and shadow) is apparent, as it imbues Saint John with a sculptural quality, defining the contours of his face and the drapery of his garment. The richly colored red of his cloak provides a warm contrast against the dark background, drawing attention to the purity of the saint’s profile. This work exemplifies the Neoclassical aesthetic through its clarity of line and smooth surface textures, as well as its use of historical and religious themes that were paramount to the movement.

Overall, “Head of Saint John the Evangelist” demonstrates the refinement and classicism that are hallmarks of Ingres’ style, as well as his dedication to reviving the nobility and virtue of classical art.

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