Artwork

Frederic Sylvester Douglas

Frederic Sylvester Douglas, by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, ink, 1815
Frederic Sylvester Douglas, by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, ink, 1815

Frederic Sylvester Douglas is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres. It dates from 1815 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The attention to detail and realism in this lithograph are reminiscent of the work of Ingres, Jean-Auguste-Dominique.

This image depicts a lithograph of a man, titled "Frederic Sylvester Douglas." The man is shown from the chest up, facing the viewer with a neutral expression. He has dark, curly hair and is wearing a white shirt with a high collar and a dark jacket. The background is a solid beige color.

The man's attire and hairstyle suggest that the lithograph was created in the early 19th century. The level of detail and realism in the image also indicate that it was created by a skilled artist.

The attention to detail and realism in this lithograph are reminiscent of the work of Ingres, Jean-Auguste-Dominique.

Overview

Frederic Sylvester Douglas is a lithograph created by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres in 1815. The work portrays a man from the chest up, characterized by a neutral expression, dark curly hair, and attire typical of the early 19th century. Executed with meticulous detail and realism, it exemplifies Ingres's technical skill.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Frederic Sylvester Douglas, is depicted with a focus on individual likeness, reflecting Ingres's emphasis on portraiture within the Neoclassical tradition. The neutral expression and precise composition underscore the artist's adherence to academic principles.

Technique & Style

The lithograph showcases Ingres's mastery of lithographic technique, achieving high levels of detail and realism. The solid beige background and meticulous rendering of the subject's features align with Ingres's Neoclassical style, marked by compositional precision and expressive restraint.

History & Provenance

Created in 1815, Frederic Sylvester Douglas is part of Ingres's body of work during a period when he identified as a history painter, drawing inspiration from predecessors like Nicolas Poussin and Jacques-Louis David. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

This work is situated within the early 19th-century Neoclassical movement, characterized by a revival of classical ideals. Ingres's portraits from this era, including Frederic Sylvester Douglas, reflect the movement's emphasis on clarity, moral rectitude, and historical reference.

Legacy

Frederic Sylvester Douglas contributes to Ingres's legacy as a prolific and precise portraitist. While not altering the broader trajectory of art history, it reinforces Ingres's role in maintaining and innovating within Neoclassical portraiture traditions.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

Artist

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres was a French Neoclassical painter. Ingres was profoundly influenced by past artistic traditions and aspired to become the guardian of academic orthodoxy against the ascendant Romantic…

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