Mademoiselle Caroline Riviere by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres – one of the largest portraitists of the XIX century. However, the artist himself did not consider the portrait the main genre in his work. He was much more interested in work on historical, mythological, religious compositions. Nevertheless, it was the portrait that glorified the artist. The first skills in painting Ingr received from his father – a miniaturist and sculptor.

Then he entered the Royal Academy in Toulouse and from 1797 worked in the workshop of JL David. Ingres was a gifted musician, and his sense of harmony was reflected in the paintings, in the creation of surprisingly plastic, spiritual images. Portraits of the artist are filled with admiration for the model and the desire to deep comprehend the essence of character. In every image there is a subtly noted and tactfully portrayed beauty.

Working on the portrait, the master literally “fell in love” with his model and gave this feeling to the audience. Portrait of Mademoiselle Riviere – a famous work of the master, made in the style of Leonardo da Vinci: slightly unfolded to the viewer’s pose, a mysterious smile. But the transmitted emotionality of the image allows us to talk about psychologism and penetration into the character of the model. Other famous works: “Portrait of ND Guriev.” 1821. The Hermitage, St. Petersburg; “The Apotheosis of Homer.” 1827. Louvre, Paris; “Turkish bath”. 1863. Louvre, Paris; “Great odalisque.” 1814. Louvre, Paris.