Art Institute of Chicago

Portrait of Jeanbon Saint-André

Jacques-Louis David

Date

1795

Medium

Pen and black ink and brush and black ink with yellow ocher watercolor over graphite, on cream laid paper

Culture

France

Department

Prints and Drawings

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This penetrating character study of the artist’s friend and fellow French revolutionary, Jeanbon Saint-André (1749–1813), made while both were in prison, brilliantly captures the sitter’s political and moral beliefs through his intense and unflinching stare, defiantly crossed arms, and sober black frock coat and hat. At the same time, it recalls profile portraits on ancient coins, thus equating Saint-André and the revolution with the lofty ideals of the Roman republic. David’s handwritten inscription on the drawing reads: “A gift of friendship. Solace of affection. David made this in confinement in the third year of the French Revolution on July 28, 1795.”

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