Artwork

Design for a Border with a Portrait of Baron Cuvier

Design for a Border with a Portrait of Baron Cuvier, by Jean-Baptiste Arnout, graphite, 1826
Design for a Border with a Portrait of Baron Cuvier, by Jean-Baptiste Arnout, graphite, 1826

Design for a Border with a Portrait of Baron Cuvier is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean-Baptiste Arnout. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This drawing, created in 1826 by Jean-Baptiste Arnout, is a graphite work on tracing paper titled Design for a Border with a Portrait of Baron Cuvier. It is held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing features a portrait, likely of Georges Cuvier, a prominent figure of the time, set within a decorative border. The inclusion of Cuvier's likeness suggests the artist's interest in capturing the image of an influential individual.

Technique & Style

Executed in graphite on tracing paper, the drawing exemplifies the technical skills of its creator. Its style is associated with the Romantic period, a time when artists often emphasized emotion and individualism in their work.

Context

The drawing is a product of the Romantic era, a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century. This context likely influenced Arnout's approach to portraiture and design.

Artist & collection

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