Artwork

Adam-Philipe, comte de Custine, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792 (1742-1793)

Adam-Philipe, comte de Custine, general-in-chief of the army of the Rhine in 1792 (1742-1793) is an oil painting by Jean de Court. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles. Joseph‑Désiré Court’s 1834 oil portrait presents the French general Adam‑Philippe, comte de Custine (1742‑1793).

About this work

Overview

Joseph‑Désiré Court’s 1834 oil portrait presents the French general Adam‑Philippe, comte de Custine (1742‑1793). The canvas captures the military leader in full dress, positioned before a muted landscape that suggests fortifications or a battlefield. The work belongs to the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

Subject & Meaning

Custine is shown in his role as commander‑in‑chief of the Army of the Rhine during the Revolutionary Wars of 1792. His posture—right hand on the sword’s hilt, left hand on his hip—conveys authority and readiness, while the surrounding architectural elements allude to his strategic responsibilities.

Technique & Style

Court employs a restrained palette of dark blues, oranges, and earthy tones, allowing the white hair and crisp white uniform to stand out. The black military coat is detailed with gold‑trimmed buttons, and the crisp rendering of the sword and red belt demonstrates the artist’s skill in depicting texture and material.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1834, the portrait entered the royal collection and is now housed at the Palace of Versailles. Its presence there reflects the 19th‑century interest in commemorating Revolutionary figures within the historic narrative of the French state.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jean de Court

Joseph-Désiré Court (14 September 1797 – 23 January 1865) was a French painter who specialised in history painting and portrait painting.

Museum

Palace of Versailles

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