Portrait of Michel-Jean Sedaine 1772

Jacques-Louis David, a prominent figure in Neoclassical art, painted this portrait of Michel-Jean Sedaine in 1772. The painting, a realistic depiction of the French playwright and librettist, is characterized by its simple composition, muted colors, and sharp detail. The oval format, a common choice for portraits during this period, further emphasizes the sitter's features. The painting’s subtle yet refined details and somber palette, typical of David's early works, foreshadow the artist's later career marked by Neoclassical grandeur.