The artwork “Monsieur de Norvins” is a refined example of Neoclassicism, created by the renowned artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres between 1811 and 1812. This oil on canvas portrait measures 97.2 by 78.7 cm and is currently housed in the National Gallery in London, United Kingdom. The genre of the artwork is a portrait, encapsulating the aesthetic principles of clarity, harmony, and rigour that are characteristic of the Neoclassical movement.
In the artwork, an elegant man is portrayed against a rich, red backdrop that carries a subtle floral pattern. His posture is relaxed yet dignified, with one arm resting upon the curve of a gilded chair. His attire speaks to his status; a black coat paired with a crisp, white neckcloth expresses a sense of orderly refinement. The subject’s gaze is direct and insightful, engaging the viewer with an air of composed intellectuality. Notably, a bust of what appears to be a Roman figure is included in the background, further cementing the classical influences that underpin the work. The exquisite attention to detail, especially evident in the rendering of the textures of his clothes and the lifelike quality of his skin, is characteristic of Ingres’s masterful technique. The portrait is imbued with a timeless quality, reflective of both the character of the individual and the artistic ideals of the era.