Who painted Elie-Frédéric Forey, Marshal?

Elie-Frédéric Forey, Marshal was painted by Charles-Philippe Larivière in 1865.

Where can I see Elie-Frédéric Forey, Marshal?

Elie-Frédéric Forey, Marshal is held by Palace of Versailles.

What movement is Elie-Frédéric Forey, Marshal?

Elie-Frédéric Forey, Marshal is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Elie-Frédéric Forey, Marshal

Charles-Philippe Larivière , 1865

Elie-Frédéric Forey, Marshal is an oil painting by the Realist artist Charles-Philippe Larivière. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Overview

Completed in 1865 by the French academic painter Charles‑Philippe Larivière, this oil portrait presents Marshal Élie‑Frédéric Forey in a realistic manner. The canvas, now part of the Palace of Versailles collection, records the marshal’s distinguished rank through his uniform, decorations and the map he holds, offering a formal visual record of a mid‑nineteenth‑century military figure.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Marshal Forey, is shown standing on a rocky outcrop, his posture upright and authoritative. He grips a rolled map, suggesting strategic command, while the array of gold‑threaded stars, ribbons and other insignia on his red coat signals his numerous honors and the weight of his service to France.

Technique & Style

Larivière employs a realist approach, rendering textures with precise brushwork: the sheen of the gold decorations, the crispness of the red jacket, and the subtle atmospheric haze behind the figure. The oil medium allows a nuanced play of light on metal and fabric, enhancing the three‑dimensional presence of the marshal.

History & Provenance

The portrait was executed shortly after Forey’s elevation to marshal, likely intended for official display. It entered the royal collection at Versailles, where it has remained, serving as part of the broader series of military portraits that document France’s 19th‑century commanders.

Context

Created during the Second Empire, the work reflects the period’s emphasis on glorifying military leadership. Larivière, known for his academic training, combined portraiture with subtle narrative elements—such as the map—to situate the marshal within the larger narrative of French territorial and strategic ambitions.