Portrait of Frédéric Desmarais (1805) by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

Portrait of Frédéric Desmarais - Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres - 1805

Artwork Information

TitlePortrait of Frédéric Desmarais
ArtistJean Auguste Dominique Ingres
Date1805
Mediumoil,canvas
Art MovementNeoclassicism
Current LocationMusée des Augustins, Toulouse, France

About Portrait of Frédéric Desmarais

The artwork “Portrait of Frédéric Desmarais” was created by the artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres in the year 1805. This oil on canvas masterpiece exemplifies the Neoclassicism art movement. As a portrait, it captures the likeness and essence of its subject, Frédéric Desmarais. This significant work of art is part of the collection at the Musée des Augustins, located in Toulouse, France.

The artwork presents a half-length portrayal of a man who appears to be seated, facing slightly towards the viewer’s left, providing a three-quarter view of his visage. His expression is somber, with deep-set eyes that hold a steady, introspective gaze, conveying an air of contemplation or solemnity. The sitter’s high forehead, balding head, and pronounced facial features are rendered with meticulous attention to detail, hinting at the skillful use of light and shadow by Ingres.

He is dressed in a modest, somewhat ruffled white shirt with a high, starched collar, and there is a dark garment loosely draped around his shoulders, which contributes to the overall austere and restrained composition typical of Neoclassical portraits. The background is subdued, essentially serving to accentuate the figure’s form and facial characteristics. The technique used in the artwork displays Ingres’ proficiency with the medium and his capacity to infuse lifelike realism into his subjects, aligning with the Neoclassical pursuit of clarity, order, and idealized beauty.

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