Artwork

Louis-Félix Amiel (1802–1864)

Louis-Félix Amiel (1802–1864), by Eugène Devéria, oil, 1837
Louis-Félix Amiel (1802–1864), by Eugène Devéria, oil, 1837

Louis-Félix Amiel (1802–1864) is an oil painting by Eugène Devéria. It dates from 1837 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

The man’s serious expression and careful brushwork make the painting feel formal.

This painting shows a man with dark, curly hair and a mustache. He’s wearing a dark coat over a lighter shirt, with a red curtain behind him. The face is lit from the front, leaving the background mostly dark.

The artist signed it in the corner with the year 1837. The man’s serious expression and careful brushwork make the painting feel formal.

Next, look up chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create depth in portraits.

Overview

Eugène Devéria, a French Romantic artist recognized for his historical compositions, portraits, and murals, painted this oil portrait of Louis-Félix Amiel in 1837. The work presents a direct depiction of its subject, characteristic of a genre portrait. It is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it offers insight into 19th-century portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

Louis-Félix Amiel is depicted with dark, curly hair and a mustache, dressed in a dark coat over a lighter shirt. A red curtain is visible behind him, adding a subtle element to the otherwise dark setting. His serious demeanor, captured through Devéria's precise execution, conveys a sense of gravity and formality, aligning with the straightforward presentation typical of genre portraiture from the period.

Technique & Style

Devéria employed oil paint to render Amiel with careful brushwork, contributing to the painting's formal character. The subject's face is illuminated from the front, creating a strong contrast with the darker background and suggesting depth through the use of light and shadow. This approach emphasizes Amiel's serious expression and the texture of his dark attire, reflecting the artist's command of light.

History & Provenance

The artist signed and dated the work in the corner, indicating its creation in 1837. This portrait, a product of Devéria's prolific career as a Romantic painter, has since become part of the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its inclusion reflects the museum's interest in significant examples of 19th-century French art.

El escritor José de Espronceda
El escritor José de Espronceda, Antonio María Esquivel

Artist & collection

Portrait of Eugène Devéria

Artist

Eugène Devéria

Eugène François Marie Joseph Devéria (22 April 1805, in Paris – 3 February 1865, in Pau) was a French Romantic history painter, portraitist and muralist.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Louis-Félix Amiel (1802–1864)?

Louis-Félix Amiel (1802–1864) was painted by Eugène Devéria in 1837-01-01.

Where can I see Louis-Félix Amiel (1802–1864)?

Louis-Félix Amiel (1802–1864) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of Louis-Félix Amiel (1802–1864)?

Museum-quality prints of Louis-Félix Amiel (1802–1864) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.