Artwork
Jean-Baptiste-Jules Bernadotte, lieutenant in the 36th line regiment in 1792
Jean-Baptiste-Jules Bernadotte, lieutenant in the 36th line regiment in 1792 is an oil painting by Louis-Félix Amiel. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles. This oil painting presents Jean‑Baptiste‑Jules Bernadotte in his 1792 uniform as a lieutenant of the 36th Line Regiment.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting presents Jean‑Baptiste‑Jules Bernadotte in his 1792 uniform as a lieutenant of the 36th Line Regiment. Rendered against a deep black backdrop, the work emphasizes the figure’s disciplined bearing and the details of his military attire.
Subject & Meaning
Bernadotte, later known as Charles XIV John of Sweden, is depicted with a serious expression and a steady gaze, suggesting both the resolve of a young officer and the future prominence he would achieve. The portrait captures a moment of personal identity before his rise to royalty.
Technique & Style
The artist employs chiaroscuro to contrast the illuminated face and white shirt with the surrounding darkness, highlighting the pink vest and gold‑buttoned details. The powdered hair and crisp black collar are rendered with precise brushwork, reflecting the academic portrait tradition of early 19th‑century France.
History & Provenance
Created in the early 1830s, the portrait entered the collection of the Palace of Versailles, where it remains displayed among other military and royal representations. Its acquisition reflects the French interest in commemorating notable figures of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic eras.
Context
At the time of its execution, Bernadotte’s transformation from French officer to Swedish monarch was a subject of fascination, linking French military heritage with broader European dynastic politics. The painting thus serves both as a personal likeness and a symbol of transnational influence.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Louis Félix Amiel, (1802-1864) was a French portrait painter. He was born at Castelnaudary (Aude). He was a pupil of Baron Gros from 1823 to 1825. He would study at the Beaux-Arts de Paris and specialized in…
