Who painted Porträt des Bertrand Pierre Castex (1771-1842)?

Porträt des Bertrand Pierre Castex (1771-1842) was painted by Alfred Touchemolin in 1850.

Where can I see Porträt des Bertrand Pierre Castex (1771-1842)?

Porträt des Bertrand Pierre Castex (1771-1842) is held by Palace of Versailles.

What movement is Porträt des Bertrand Pierre Castex (1771-1842)?

Porträt des Bertrand Pierre Castex (1771-1842) is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Porträt des Bertrand Pierre Castex (1771-1842)

Alfred Touchemolin , 1850

Porträt des Bertrand Pierre Castex (1771-1842) is an oil painting by the Realist artist Alfred Touchemolin. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Overview

Alfred Touchemolin’s oil portrait, dated around 1850, depicts Bertrand Pierre Castex (1771‑1842). The work is part of the collection at the Palace of Versailles. It presents the sitter in a formal pose, emphasizing his rank and the dignified atmosphere of the mid‑nineteenth‑century French military milieu.

Subject & Meaning

Castex is shown wearing a dark, military‑style coat trimmed in gold, with epaulettes and a vivid red sash crossing his chest. In his right hand he holds a small, folded white sheet of paper, while a pair of white gloves lie on a nearby surface. The attire and accessories underline his official capacity and convey a sober, authoritative presence.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, Touchemolin employs a restrained palette dominated by deep blacks and muted earth tones, punctuated by the bright red sash and the gleam of gold trim. The brushwork is smooth and precise, rendering the textures of fabric and metal with clarity, while the sitter’s expression is rendered with subtle modeling that enhances the portrait’s solemn tone.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1850, the portrait entered the holdings of the Palace of Versailles, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s broader effort to document notable figures of French military and administrative history, preserving the visual record of individuals such as Castex for future scholarship.