Artwork
Claude François Bidal d'Asfeld (1665-1743), marquis d'Asfeld, maréchal de France en 1734

Claude François Bidal d'Asfeld (1665-1743), marquis d'Asfeld, maréchal de France en 1734 is an oil painting by the French Romanticist artist Henri Frédéric Schopin. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting, created in 1835 by Henri Frédéric Schopin, is a formal portrait of Claude François Bidal d'Asfeld, a French military figure who attained the rank of maréchal de France in 1734. The work is housed in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts d'Asfeld in a solemn pose, reflecting his dignified military stature. Symbols of his rank and profession are evident: a long, ornate coat, a red and gold sash, black boots, and a sword in hand. A map on the table in front of him further alludes to his military career.
Technique & Style
Executed in a realistic style, the painting emphasizes detailed rendering of textures and attire. The dominant dark background, punctuated by a vibrant red curtain, serves to focus attention on the subject, while the overall composition conveys a sense of formal gravity, aligning with French Romanticism's emphasis on emotion and grandeur through meticulous detail and dramatic lighting.
History & Provenance
Painted by Schopin in 1835, nearly a century after d'Asfeld's marshal appointment, the portrait is a 19th-century tribute to an 18th-century figure. It is part of the Versailles Palace collection, indicating its recognition as a piece of French historical and artistic heritage.
Context
The painting reflects the French Romantic movement's inclination towards historical subjects and dramatic presentation. Schopin's Prix de Rome award in 1831 preceded this work, suggesting an artist influenced by classical ideals yet expressing them through the emotive and detailed characteristics of Romanticism.
Legacy
As part of the Versailles collection, the portrait contributes to the historical and artistic narrative of the palace, offering a glimpse into France's military past through the lens of 19th-century Romantic painting. Its presence alongside other works at Versailles underscores the enduring interest in depicting and honoring France's military leaders across centuries.
Artist & collection
Artist
Henri Frédéric Schopin (12 June 1804 - 21 October 1880) was a French painter. He was the winner of the Prix de Rome for painting in 1831.













