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Adam-Philipe, comte de Custine, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792 (1742-1793)

Joseph-Désiré Court , 1834

Adam-Philipe, comte de Custine, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792 (1742-1793), by Joseph-Désiré Court, oil, 1834
Adam-Philipe, comte de Custine, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792 (1742-1793), by Joseph-Désiré Court, oil, 1834

Adam-Philipe, comte de Custine, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792 (1742-1793) is an oil painting by Joseph-Désiré Court. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles. Joseph‑Désiré Court’s 1834 oil portrait presents the French general Adam‑Philippe, comte de Custine (1742‑1793).

About this work

Subject & Meaning

These elements reference his command in the Rhine campaigns and evoke themes of leadership, martial authority, and the strategic importance of his position.

The portrait shows Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine in his role as general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792, wearing a military uniform with epaulettes, a sword, and a glove, and standing before a fortification and cityscape. These elements reference his command in the Rhine campaigns and evoke themes of leadership, martial authority, and the strategic importance of his position. The sword, glove, and fortification serve as symbolic attributes of a military commander, underscoring his martial prowess and administrative control.

Created in 1834 by Joseph-Désiré Court, the work is housed in the Museum of the History of France at the Palace of Versailles, where it is part of the national collection documenting French military heritage.

Technique & Style

The portrait is executed in oil paint on canvas, measuring 135 cm in height by 95 cm in width. As a posthumous depiction of a Revolutionary-era military commander, the painting belongs to the 19th-century French tradition of historical portraiture. The composition presents Custine in full military regalia, incorporating attributes such as his sword, glove, and general's uniform alongside fortification and city elements in the background.

These details serve to identify his rank and commemorate his service as general-in-chief of the Army of the Rhine. Court's handling situates the work within the academic portrait conventions of the July Monarchy period, balancing documentary commemoration with formal presentation.

History & Provenance

The portrait was painted in 1834 by Joseph-Désiré Court and entered the collection of the Museum of the History of France at the Palace of Versailles, where it remains on display. Its dimensions are 135 cm in height and 95 cm in width, and it depicts Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine, in his role as general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792. The work was created as part of the French government's effort to commemorate notable military figures, reflecting the historical and artistic context of 19th-century French portraiture.

The painting is held by the Museum of the History of France at the Palace of Versailles, specifically within the musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon. It carries multiple inventory and accession numbers: MV 2348, INV 3422, and LP 472. No specific exhibition history is provided for the work.

Overview

Joseph‑Désiré Court’s 1834 oil portrait presents the French general Adam‑Philippe, comte de Custine (1742‑1793). The canvas captures the military leader in full dress, positioned before a muted landscape that suggests fortifications or a battlefield. The work belongs to the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

Alexandre-François Marie, viscount of Beauharnais, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine
Alexandre-François Marie, viscount of Beauharnais, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine, Georges Rouget

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joseph-Désiré Court

Artist

Joseph-Désiré Court

Joseph-Désiré Court (14 September 1797 – 23 January 1865) was a French painter who specialised in history painting and portrait painting.

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Palace of Versailles open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Palace of Versailles. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Adam-Philipe, comte de Custine, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792 (1742-1793)?

Adam-Philipe, comte de Custine, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792 (1742-1793) was painted by Joseph-Désiré Court in 1834.

Where can I see Adam-Philipe, comte de Custine, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792 (1742-1793)?

Adam-Philipe, comte de Custine, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792 (1742-1793) is held by Palace of Versailles.

Can I buy a print of Adam-Philipe, comte de Custine, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792 (1742-1793)?

Museum-quality prints of Adam-Philipe, comte de Custine, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792 (1742-1793) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.