Artwork

Henri-Léonard-Jean-Baptiste Bertin (1719-1792)

Henri-Léonard-Jean-Baptiste Bertin (1719-1792), by Alexander Roslin, oil, 1768
Henri-Léonard-Jean-Baptiste Bertin (1719-1792), by Alexander Roslin, oil, 1768

Henri-Léonard-Jean-Baptiste Bertin (1719-1792) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Alexander Roslin. It dates from 1768 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

The painting is a portrait of a man with white hair, wearing a blue jacket adorned with a large silver star on the left side.

The painting is a portrait of a man with white hair, wearing a blue jacket adorned with a large silver star on the left side. He has a white shirt and a lace collar, and his right arm is visible, with a blue fabric draped over it. The background is dark, with a lighter area behind the man's head.

The man's facial expression is neutral, and he is looking directly at the viewer. His hair is styled in a wig, which was a common fashion during the 18th century.

The painting's attention to detail and use of color suggest that it was created by a skilled artist. To learn more about the artist's techniques and style, look up Alexander Roslin.

Overview

This 1768 oil painting by Alexander Roslin portrays Henri-Léonard-Jean-Baptiste Bertin, a French statesman, in a characteristic Rococo style. The work is distinguished by its meticulous detail and elegant composition.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Bertin, is depicted in formal attire, including a blue jacket with a prominent silver star, indicating his rank. His neutral expression and direct gaze convey a sense of dignity and authority, reflecting his position as a statesman.

Technique & Style

Roslin's Rococo style is evident in the intricate rendering of textures, such as the lace collar, blue fabric, and Bertin's wig. The contrast between the dark background and the lighter area behind the subject's head adds depth, while the overall attention to detail showcases Roslin's skill.

History & Provenance

Created in 1768 for an aristocratic patron, the painting is now part of the Palace of Versailles collection, reflecting Roslin's popularity among European nobility during his active period.

Context

The painting embodies the 18th-century European aristocratic portrait tradition, where opulence and precise depiction of status symbols were paramount. Bertin's wig, for example, was a common fashion among the elite at the time.

Legacy

While the painting's legacy is closely tied to Roslin's reputation as a precise and insightful portraitist, its current location in Versailles underscores its value as a historical document of 18th-century French nobility.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alexander Roslin

Artist

Alexander Roslin

Alexander Roslin (pronounced ; spelled Alexandre in French, pronounced ; 15 July 1718 – 5 July 1793) was a Swedish painter who worked in Scania, Bayreuth, Paris, Italy, Warsaw and St.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Palace of Versailles open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.