Artwork

St. Louis pendant la Justice

St. Louis pendant la Justice, by Alexandre Cabanel, 1875
St. Louis pendant la Justice, by Alexandre Cabanel, 1875

St. Louis pendant la Justice is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Alexandre Cabanel. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. St.

About this work

Overview

St. Louis pendant la Justice is a drawing created by French artist Alexandre Cabanel around 1875. The work portrays a solemn scene associated with King Louis IX of France, executed in the detailed, narrative style typical of academic art.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts King Louis IX in a contemplative pose, dressed in a long robe and hood, with a serious expression. The subject is likely meant to evoke the king's reputation for justice, though the specific moment or story being referenced is not explicitly clear from the drawing alone.

Technique & Style

Cabanel employed quick, sketchy brown-toned strokes, characteristic of preparatory studies. The drawing showcases a focus on chiaroscuro, with meticulous attention to the folds of the robe and the play of light on the fabric, highlighting the artist's mastery of capturing volume and depth through contrast.

History & Provenance

Created during Cabanel's peak as a leading academic painter and preferred artist of Napoleon III, the drawing is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alexandre Cabanel

Artist

Alexandre Cabanel

Alexandre Cabanel (French: ; 28 September 1823 – 23 January 1889) was a French painter.

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