drawing, charcoal
portrait
drawing
baroque
portrait drawing
charcoal
history-painting
academic-art
Dimensions 8 3/4 x 7 1/8in. (22.2 x 18.1cm)
This portrait of Jean-Baptiste Louis Picon, by an anonymous artist, presents a study in contrasts and textures. The subject's voluminous wig immediately commands attention, its elaborate curls rendered with delicate strokes that suggest both weight and airiness. The composition is structured around the interplay between the wig's complex form and the softer, flowing lines of the draped fabric. These elements are not merely decorative; they reflect the rigid social structures of the time. Note how the formal attire and carefully constructed appearance create a visual language that encodes status and identity. The artist uses the monochromatic palette to emphasize form and texture, a technique that challenges the eye to find nuances within a limited range of tones. The portrait becomes a site for examining how external appearances mediate social exchange and personal expression. This interplay continues to invite reflection on representation and identity.
Comments
The regal sitter in this portrait is Jean-Baptiste Louis Picon, vicomte d'Andrezel (c. 1663–1727). Picon commissioned the famous portraitist Hyacinth Rigaud to paint his portrait in 1716 (lost), and a print after Rigaud's work was published by the accomplished portrait engraver François Chéreau in 1719. Rigaud's authorship of the drawing can be ruled out based on the style and technique of the work. The drawing relates very closely to Chereau's engraving--down to the placement of each curl of hair--but no securely attributed drawings by Chéreau survive. And while Chéreau undoubtedly was a skilled draftsman, such a highly finished drawing was not necessary for making a print. That the drawing and engraving are the same orientation rather than mirror images further suggests that the drawing was more likely executed after the print rather than by Chéreau in preparation for it (Engravings, without intermediate steps, reverse compositions.) In 1724 Picon was named French ambassador to the Ottomon Empire; he died in Constantinople in 1727. We are grateful to Bent Sorensen for identifying the sitter and related portrait engraving.
Join the conversation
Join millions of artists and users on Artera today and experience the ultimate creative platform.
CollectMore like this
