The artwork titled “Jean-Baptiste Brequin de Demenge” was executed by the artist Joseph Ducreux in the year 1769. It is exemplary of the Rococo art movement and is classified as a portrait. This period in art history is often associated with ornate and decorative characteristics, reflecting the elaborate tastes of the time.
In the artwork, a male figure is depicted from the chest up, facing slightly to his right. Notably detailed is his expression, which appears serious, with his lips firmly set, and his eyes gaze directly toward the viewer. The man’s facial features are rendered with care, showing a high level of skill in capturing human likeness and emotion. His skin tone is pale with some flushes of pink on the cheeks, which suggests a sense of realism in reflecting his complexion.
He is adorned in clothing typical of the upper classes of the 18th century. The man wears a wig that was fashionable at the time, powder-white and styled to voluminous proportions. His attire consists of a red coat with white lining, which is in stark contrast to his wig and the dark background of the portrait. Ornate buttons line the coat, and a frilly white ascot is visible at his throat, adding to the complexity and richness of his attire.
The portrait conveys an aura of formality and distinction, consistent with the social conventions and the penchant for refinement in the Rococo era. The artist’s technique emphasizes the textures of the wig and the fabric of the clothing, creating a lifelike representation. The dark backdrop serves to highlight the subject and his elegant wardrobe, lending a sense of depth and focus to the painting. The overall composition and the artist’s meticulous attention to the realistic portrayal of the subject exemplify the Rococo movement’s fascination with grandeur, sociability, and portraiture as a means of expressing status and identity.