Portrait de Lamartine 1844

Théodore Chassériau's 1844 "Portrait de Lamartine" is a striking lithograph depicting Alphonse de Lamartine, a renowned French poet and politician. The artwork showcases Lamartine in a formal pose, his gaze directed slightly away from the viewer, conveying an air of contemplative intellect. This portrait exemplifies Chassériau's mastery of capturing both the physical likeness and the inner essence of his subjects, highlighting the artist's skill in utilizing subtle shading and linework to create a sense of depth and realism. The lithograph is a testament to Chassériau's unique style that fused Romanticism with the emerging realism of the mid-19th century.