Artwork
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand Périgord (1754–1838), Prince de Bénévent
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand Périgord (1754–1838), Prince de Bénévent is an oil painting by Pierre Paul Prud'hon. It dates from 1817 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting, created in 1817 by the French Neoclassical artist Pierre-Paul Prud'hon, depicts Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, Prince de Bénévent. Talleyrand, a notable French diplomat, is presented in a formal yet dynamic pose. The artwork is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offering a glimpse into the political and artistic landscape of early 19th-century France.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, a pivotal figure in French diplomacy during a tumultuous era.
The portrait captures Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, a pivotal figure in French diplomacy during a tumultuous era. Prud'hon portrays him with an air of confidence and composure, reflecting his influential career. His attire and the opulent setting suggest his elevated status and the refined world of statecraft he inhabited. The painting serves as a visual record of a significant historical personality.
Technique & Style
Prud'hon, known for his Neoclassical approach, employs a soft, dramatic illumination in this portrait. Light subtly shapes Talleyrand's face and hands, drawing attention to his thoughtful expression and the intricate details of his dark green coat and white stockings. This selective highlighting creates a sense of depth and presence, contrasting with the more subdued, richly decorated background, which includes classical busts and a gilded chair.
History & Provenance
Completed in 1817, this portrait resides in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Pierre-Paul Prud'hon's artistic practice sometimes involved close collaboration with Constance Mayer after 1803, a factor that can occasionally complicate definitive attribution for works from this period. However, this painting is firmly attributed to Prud'hon, representing his skill in capturing prominent figures of his time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pierre-Paul Prud'hon (French pronunciation: , 4 April 1758 – 16 February 16, 1823) was a French Neo-classical painter and draughtsman best known in his own time for his allegorical paintings and portraits, now for his drawings.
