Portrait of Alphonse Hennet De Goutel 

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres made this pencil drawing of Alphonse Hennet de Goutel in Paris, 1846. Ingres was a leading figure in the French Academy, a state-sponsored institution which imposed strict rules of style and subject matter on artists, so it is interesting to consider what this drawing might say about the social context of art production in nineteenth-century France. Note how Ingres's elegant and precise line, harks back to classical models, promoting an image of sophistication and order. Hennet De Goutel's confident pose and fashionable attire further emphasize his status within Parisian society. Ingres, as an influential member of the Academy, reinforced the social hierarchies of his time through his art. To fully appreciate the work of Ingres, we need to research the history of academic art, its patrons, and its role in shaping cultural values. This will help us understand not only the artistic achievements of Ingres but also the power dynamics that influenced his work.