Artwork

Alexandre-François Marie, viscount of Beauharnais, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine

Alexandre-François Marie, viscount of Beauharnais, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine is an oil painting by Georges Rouget. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Overview

Georges Rouget’s 1834 oil portrait presents Alexandre‑François Marie, viscount of Beauharnais, in his capacity as general‑in‑chief of the Army of the Rhine. The work is part of the collection at the Palace of Versailles and measures the typical dimensions of a formal military likeness of the period.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown in full dress uniform, his hands placed on his chest, conveying a sense of duty and authority. The stern expression, white wig, and the presence of a sword at his side underscore his role as a high‑ranking officer during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.

Technique & Style

Rouget employs a restrained chiaroscuro, allowing the illuminated details of the gold‑trimmed coat and polished buttons to emerge from a muted, smoky backdrop. The faint landscape of hills and a distant structure recedes behind the figure, providing depth without distracting from the central portrait.

History & Provenance

Executed in 1834, the painting entered the royal collection and is now displayed at Versailles, where it contributes to the broader narrative of French military leadership. Its attribution to Rouget, a noted academic painter, has been consistently documented in the museum’s records.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Georges Rouget

Georges Rouget (1783–1869) was an artist, born in Paris.

Museum

Palace of Versailles

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