Portrait of Pierre Seriziat the artist’s brother-in-law (1795) by Jacques-Louis David

Portrait of Pierre Seriziat the artist's brother-in-law - Jacques-Louis David - 1795

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Artwork Information

TitlePortrait of Pierre Seriziat the artist's brother-in-law
ArtistJacques-Louis David
Date1795
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions129 x 95.5 cm
Art MovementNeoclassicism
Current LocationLouvre, Paris, France

About Portrait of Pierre Seriziat the artist's brother-in-law

The artwork titled “Portrait of Pierre Seriziat the artist’s brother-in-law” is a distinguished example of the Neoclassical art movement. This sublime oil on canvas work was brought into fruition by the masterful Jacques-Louis David in the year 1795. Measuring 129 x 95.5 cm in dimension, the artwork is rendered in the genre of portraiture and currently finds its home at the Louvre in Paris, France.

The artwork showcases a full-length portrait of a man who is positioned informally yet confidently upon a rock. The subject is elegantly dressed in attire that reflects the fashion of the late 18th century, with remarkable detail given to the textiles and accessories. He dons a dark coat with a high collar, a white waistcoat, and tan breeches. His left leg is crossed over his right, with his left hand resting on the thigh, while the other hand holds a riding crop, suggesting a theme of leisure and perhaps a propensity for horseback riding. His head is adorned with a black top hat, tipped fashionably askew, which complements his wavy, unkempt hair.

The personage in the portrait exudes an air of relaxed sophistication. His facial expression is one of calm assurance, yet there remains a subtle introspectiveness in his gaze, directed outward towards the viewer. The backdrop of the portrait is a serene sky with scattered clouds, perhaps denoting the subject’s connection to the open air and nature, and perhaps metaphorically, to the ideas of freedom and contemplation that were cherished during the Enlightenment.

The precision of the brushwork and the keen attention to the rendition of light and texture attest to Jacques-Louis David’s proficiency and alignment with the Neoclassical ethos which sought to revive the ideals of classical antiquity, focusing on harmony, clarity, and strong moral narratives. The composition’s balanced structure and the rational arrangement within the frame underscore the sense of order and restrained emotion indicative of the movement’s aesthetic principles.

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