Artwork

Achille, Marshal-Count Baraguey d'Hilliers

Achille, Marshal-Count Baraguey d'Hilliers, by Charles-Philippe Larivière, oil, 1857
Achille, Marshal-Count Baraguey d'Hilliers, by Charles-Philippe Larivière, oil, 1857

Achille, Marshal-Count Baraguey d'Hilliers is an oil painting by Charles-Philippe Larivière. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Overview

Achille, Marshal-Count Baraguey d'Hilliers is an 1857 oil portrait by French artist Charles-Philippe Larivière, portraying the titular marshal with a noticeable physical mutilation. The painting is part of the Palace of Versailles collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Achille Baraguey d'Hilliers, is depicted in a formal military pose, conveying authority.

The subject, Achille Baraguey d'Hilliers, is depicted in a formal military pose, conveying authority. His mutilation is visibly incorporated into the portrait, acknowledging his experiences. The contrast between his crisp, ornate uniform (black with gold trim, red sash, white pants) and the turbulent background (stormy sky, rocky landscape) may symbolize the harmony between personal resilience and the turmoil of war.

Technique & Style

Larivière employs soft shadows to delineate the marshal's facial features, ensuring a sense of depth and character. The uniform's details are rendered in sharp, crisp lines, juxtaposed with the expressive, dramatic brushwork of the background, reflecting the artist's academic training balanced with emotional expression.

History & Provenance

Created in 1857, the portrait is now held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles, indicating its historical and artistic significance to French heritage.

Context

Comparing this work with Larivière's other portraits of leaders may provide insight into his approach to depicting authority and personal character during the 19th century.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Charles-Philippe Larivière

Artist

Charles-Philippe Larivière

Charles-Philippe Larivière (28 September 1798 in Paris – 29 February 1876 in Paris) was a French academic painter and lithographer.

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