Madame Récamier

portrait

This is a case where a comparison will give a good idea of how differently the same subject was handled by Jacques-Louis David and one of his numerous pupils. David started the portrait of Madame Récamier in 1800 which was never finished. (However, incidentally, this portrait helped a contemporary item of furniture to become known under her name.

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About the Artist

François Gérard

1770 – 1837

French painter, born in Rome, a favourite pupil of Jacques-Louis David. In the Salon of 1796 he won acclaim with his portrait of Jean-Baptiste Isabey and his Daughter (Louvre, Paris) and became the most sought after court and society portraitist of his day. He successfully negotiated the various political changes of the day and was made a Baron and a member of the Legion of Honour. In addition to portraits Gérard painted historical and mythological works. His style derived from David, but was much less taut and heroic, tending at times towards a rather mannered gracefulness.

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