The artwork titled “Portrait of Suzanne Le Pelletier de Saint Fargeau” is an oil on canvas painting by the revered French artist Jacques-Louis David, dated to the year 1804. The painting is a characteristic work of the Neoclassicism art movement and measures 60.5 by 49.5 centimeters. As a portrait, the artwork captures the likeness and presence of the subject with the clear and precise technique for which David is known.
In the artwork, the subject, Suzanne Le Pelletier de Saint Fargeau, is depicted with a direct gaze towards the viewer, conveying a sense of confidence and self-assuredness. Her complexion is rendered with smooth, subtle grading of tones, showcasing David’s skill in painting skin with lifelike qualities. The subject’s attire includes a white garment with a ruffled neckline, and she wears a dark shawl with golden embroidery draped over her shoulders. The simplicity of the composition, limited color palette, and the clear light source are typical of the Neoclassical style, where the focus is on idealized beauty and purity of form. The dark background serves to highlight the figure, with the details of her attire and her gentle expression immediately drawing the viewer’s attention.
This portrait exemplifies the elegance and restraint that are hallmarks of Jacques-Louis David’s oeuvre, and it remains a testament to his mastery in capturing the human spirit within the Neoclassical ideal.