Who painted Jacques-Louis David?

Jacques-Louis David was painted by Studio of Georges Rouget in c. 1813/1815.

Where can I see Jacques-Louis David?

Jacques-Louis David is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Jacques-Louis David?

Jacques-Louis David is associated with Neoclassicism.

Artwork

Jacques-Louis David

Studio of Georges Rouget , 1814

Jacques-Louis David is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Studio of Georges Rouget. It dates from 1814 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

The portrait of Jacques-Louis David, created in 1814, is executed in oil paint on canvas.

The portrait of Jacques-Louis David, created in 1814, is executed in oil paint on canvas. This work, attributed to an anonymous artist or Georges Rouget, measures 89.2 cm in height and 67.8 cm in width. The medium and support are consistent with standard academic portraiture of the early 19th century, utilizing oil on canvas to achieve a durable and detailed surface.

The painting currently resides in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it is classified as a portrait depicting the artist. The handling of the medium reflects the formal qualities expected of portraiture from this period, focusing on the accurate representation of the subject's likeness and attire.

History & Provenance

Created in 1814, this oil-on-canvas portrait of Jacques-Louis David was initially held by J.P. Mazaroz-Ribalier. Following Mazaroz-Ribalier's death, the work was sold at Hôtel Drouot in Paris on December 1–3, 1890, where it was purchased by Gustave Cahen. The painting remained in the Cahen collection until his sale at Galerie Georges Petit on May 24, 1929.

Later that year, the work appeared on consignment with Felix Lachovski before being auctioned at Silo's in New York on December 5–6, 1929, where Chester Dale acquired it. Upon Dale's death in 1962, the portrait was bequeathed to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., entering the collection in 1963. It is attributed to an anonymous artist, possibly Georges Rouget. The sources do not provide a specific accession number or document any exhibition history.

Overview

This oil on canvas painting depicts the prominent French artist Jacques-Louis David seated, dressed in formal attire, and presenting a serious demeanor. Created by an artist whose identity remains largely unknown, this portrait offers a unique external perspective on David, a central figure in the art world of his era. It provides insight into how a contemporary, perhaps less celebrated, painter perceived his influential peer.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait aims to convey the personality of Jacques-Louis David, a pivotal figure in French art history. The artist captures David in a moment of solemnity, reflecting the gravitas often associated with his public image and artistic contributions. His formal dress and composed posture suggest a man of considerable standing and intellectual depth, offering viewers a visual interpretation of his character.