Artwork
Léonard-Victor-Joseph Charner, amiral de France

Léonard-Victor-Joseph Charner, amiral de France is an oil painting by the Realist artist Eugène Faure. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.
About this work
Overview
Eugène Faure’s 1861 oil portrait presents Léonard‑Victor‑Joseph Charner, a French admiral, in a formal, realist manner. The canvas, now part of the Palace of Versailles collection, captures the officer in full dress, emphasizing his rank and the ceremonial aspects of his service.
Subject & Meaning
Charner is shown standing rigidly in a dark uniform, his posture underscored by a rolled map in one hand and a vivid red sash across his chest. The array of gold braid, medals and insignia signals his high standing within the French navy, while the map alludes to his strategic responsibilities.
Technique & Style
Faure employs a realist approach, rendering textures—from the sheen of the braid to the polished metal of the decorations—with precise detail. A subtle chiaroscuro effect models Charner’s face and uniform against a muted background, allowing the illuminated elements to emerge sharply.
History & Provenance
Born near Grenoble in 1822, Faure studied with sculptors David d’Angers and François Rude before exhibiting at the Salon from 1847 onward. The portrait entered the Versailles collection, where it remains displayed among other works documenting France’s military heritage.
Artist & collection
Artist
Eugène Faure, a French painter of allegories, mythological subjects, and portraits, was born at Seyssinet, near Grenoble, in 1822.










