Portrait of Lavoisier and his wife Marie-Anne by Jacques Louis David

Portrait of Lavoisier and his wife Marie Anne by Jacques Louis David

This is a portrait of one of the most interesting people in France – the famous chemist Antoine Lavoisier. The scientist posed for David with his wife, a young black-eyed lady. Madame Lavoisier was well educated, her knowledge of science and her imperious nature amazed David. But with great pleasure he wrote Lavoisier himself. A face with an aquiline nose and steep eyebrows, the scientist’s face looked from the canvas.

The artist was interested in talking with Lavoisier. A cold and precise mind, calm, distinct judgments, the ability to embody the complex problems of his science in a clear form of philosophical thought made Lavoisier an excellent conversationalist.

David wrote it to a man sitting at a table with a pen in his hand. His wife leaned on his shoulder. Glasses and copper glittered with intricate devices. They were specially brought from the laboratory by Lavoisier. David wanted to create a real working environment for a chemist. In general, a good portrait. Lavoisier seemed to be pleased with the portrait.