Paris was painted by Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein in 1796.

Where can I see Paris?

Paris is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

Can I buy a print of Paris?

Museum-quality prints of Paris are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Paris

Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein , 1796

Paris is an oil painting by Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

If you're interested in learning more about the artist behind this piece, you can explore the works of Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein.

The painting features a young man with curly blonde hair, wearing a yellow hat and a red robe with gold trim. The background is dark, which highlights the subject's features.

The subject's attire and hairstyle suggest a classical influence, which was common in art during the late 18th century. The use of oil paint also indicates that the artist was skilled in traditional techniques.

If you're interested in learning more about the artist behind this piece, you can explore the works of Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein.

Overview

Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein, a German painter active in the late 18th century, completed the oil painting titled *Paris* in 1796. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it is displayed among other examples of the period’s portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas depicts a youthful male figure with light, wavy hair, dressed in a bright yellow cap and a red garment edged in gold. The darkened backdrop isolates the sitter, emphasizing his facial features and attire, which echo the neoclassical fascination with antiquity that prevailed in European art at the time.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting demonstrates Tischbein’s command of traditional medium, employing layered glazes to achieve depth of color and subtle modeling of light. The contrast between the luminous clothing and the somber background reflects the neoclassical palette, while the precise rendering of texture reveals a meticulous approach to detail.

History & Provenance

Created in 1796, *Paris* entered the Art Institute of Chicago’s holdings through acquisition in the early 20th century, though the exact path of ownership prior to that remains undocumented in public records. Its presence in a major American museum underscores the transatlantic appreciation of Tischbein’s work and the broader German contribution to neoclassical painting.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein

Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein, known as the Goethe Tischbein (15 February 1751 – 26 June 1829), was a German painter from the Tischbein family of artists.

Museum

Art Institute of Chicago

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