Artwork

Barbara, Countess of Pembroke & Mont

Barbara, Countess of Pembroke & Mont, by Jacques d'Agar, oil, 1710
Barbara, Countess of Pembroke & Mont, by Jacques d'Agar, oil, 1710

Barbara, Countess of Pembroke & Mont is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jacques d'Agar. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales.

About this work

Overview

Barbara, Countess of Pembroke & Mont is a portrait painted in 1710 by Jacques d'Agar, a French painter who later worked in London. The oil painting depicts Barbara Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, in a characteristic Rococo style.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Barbara Herbert, is portrayed with elegance and refinement, conveyed through her formal blue dress, white undershirt, and styled updo. Her direct gaze at the viewer establishes a sense of personal connection.

Technique & Style

The painting employs chiaroscuro, a Baroque technique of strong light and dark contrasts, to create depth and dimension. This approach, though rooted in Baroque, aligns with the emerging Rococo movement's emphasis on subtle, nuanced lighting.

History & Provenance

Jacques d'Agar, born in Paris in 1640, trained under Jacob Ferdinand Voet. After fleeing France in 1682 due to religious persecution, d'Agar worked in Denmark before settling in London, where this portrait was created.

Context

As a Rococo portrait, it reflects the period's focus on intimacy and the subject's personal character, distinguishable from the more dramatic flair of pure Baroque works.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this work are not highlighted, it represents d'Agar's successful adaptation to the Rococo style in his later career, contributing to the broader artistic transition in early 18th-century London.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacques d'Agar

Artist

Jacques d'Agar

Jacques d'Agar (Danish: Jacob d'Agar; 9 March 1640 – 16 November 1715) was a French portrait painter born in Paris.