Artwork

Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814)

Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814), by Pierre Pasquier, unspecified, 1772
Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814), by Pierre Pasquier, unspecified, 1772

Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814) is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Pierre Pasquier. It dates from 1772 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work is a portrait miniature depicting Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814), presented in profile.

The work is a portrait miniature depicting Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814), presented in profile. Created by Pierre Pasquier in 1772, the piece focuses solely on the individual, capturing his likeness as a man of the cloth and scholar without additional narrative elements or allegorical settings. As a portrait, its primary purpose is the commemoration and representation of Bossut himself, serving as a visual record of his appearance during the late eighteenth century.

The iconography is limited to the conventions of the profile portrait genre common to the period. The work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1772 by Pierre Pasquier, this work is classified as a miniature painting. The piece depicts Abbé Charles Bossut in profile, a formal compositional choice characteristic of portraiture during this period. The small-scale format is consistent with the miniature genre, intended for close viewing.

The specific support material is not detailed in the available records. The work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

History & Provenance

The work is a miniature portrait painted in 1772 by Pierre Pasquier, depicting Abbé Charles Bossut in profile. Documentation of the original commission is absent. The painting entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains; its accession details are not specified in the available records. Its provenance reflects ownership by the museum since acquisition.

Overview

Pierre Pasquier's 1772 painting, Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814), presents a formal portrait of the French clergyman and mathematician. This work captures Bossut in a distinct profile view, characteristic of 18th-century portraiture. The painting is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Portrait of Étienne François, comte de Stainville, duc de Choiseul
Portrait of Étienne François, comte de Stainville, duc de Choiseul

Artist & collection

Artist

Pierre Pasquier

Pierre Pasquier (1731–1806) was an artist, born in Villefranche-sur-Saône.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814)?

Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814) was painted by Pierre Pasquier in 1772-01-01.

Where can I see Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814)?

Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814)?

Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814) is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814)?

Museum-quality prints of Abbé Charles Bossut (1730–1814) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.