The artwork “Portrait of Jacques Francois Desmaisons” was crafted by the illustrious artist Jacques-Louis David in 1782. This oil on canvas masterpiece embodies the principles of the Neoclassicism movement, characterized by its classic lines and reverence for the art and culture of ancient civilizations. The portrait measures 92 x 72 cm and typifies the genre of portraiture. Presently, this work of art is housed at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York, United States.
The artwork portrays Jacques Francois Desmaisons seated, with his body slightly turned towards the viewer, engaging direct eye contact. He dons a sumptuous red coat embellished with decorative motifs and accessories indicative of his social status. The textures of the fabric and intricacies of the embroidery are rendered with meticulous finesse—a testament to David’s skill in capturing both material quality and the sartorial elegance of the era. Desmaisons is depicted holding a writing instrument in his right hand, poised as though interrupted mid-correspondence, with papers and books arranged on the table before him. The arrangement suggests his intellectual pursuits or administrative responsibilities, while the muted background focuses the viewer’s attention on the subject himself. The artwork’s clear compositional structure and restrained palette are hallmarks of the Neoclassical style, encapsulating the enlightened ideals of the period while providing an intimate glimpse into the persona of the sitter.