Portrait of Jeanbon Saint-André

Museum record 44262: Portrait of Jeanbon Saint-André by Jacques-Louis David. A verified entry point for discovery.

What to notice

For Portrait of Jeanbon Saint-André (record 44262), start with modern, expressive, atmospheric. Compare the focal subject, edge treatment, and atmosphere before moving on.

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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…