Portrait of a Man, possible Edmé Bochet (1814) by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

Portrait of a Man, possible Edmé Bochet - Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres - 1814

Artwork Information

TitlePortrait of a Man, possible Edmé Bochet
ArtistJean Auguste Dominique Ingres
Date1814
Art MovementNeoclassicism
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About Portrait of a Man, possible Edmé Bochet

The artwork titled “Portrait of a Man,” which is possibly of Edmé Bochet, is an emblematic work by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres dating from the year 1814. Exemplifying the Neoclassical art movement, this portrait genre piece is presently held in a private collection. The precise draftsmanship and attention to detail reflect the aesthetic values of its era, as Neoclassicism favored a return to classical simplicity and grandeur.

In the artwork, the subject is depicted in a semi-profile view, presenting a slight turn towards the viewer that suggests an informal interaction. The man’s features are rendered with meticulous, fine lines, exhibiting Ingres’ celebrated skill in capturing the nuances of human expression and form. The subject’s face is characterized by a prominent gaze, animated by a sparkle in the eyes and accentuated by a slight smile that hints at the individual’s personality.

The attire of the figure is suggestive of the period, featuring a coat with a high collar and a double-breasted front with visible button details, indicative of early 19th-century men’s fashion. Notable also is the cravat tied around his neck, an accessory typical of the time that adds to the authenticity of representation. Each element of attire is sketched with care, yet with an economy of line that speaks to the artist’s mastery in implying texture and form without excessive elaboration.

The portrait exemplifies the classical approach of the time, with an emphasis on linearity and clarity, while the unfinished nature of the work, where the careful shading gives way to more gestural lines towards the figure’s lower body, showcases the artistic process of Ingres. This serves not only as an artistic statement but also as an intriguing glimpse into the artist’s method, allowing us to appreciate the progression from detailed rendering to a more free-handed approach within a single composition.

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