SELECTION BY TOPIC : THE PORTRAIT
The portrait during the 19th century
A portrait is essentially the closest possible representation of an individual. The criterion of physical resemblance is important, but the portrait also reflects the model’s character, psychology and social group.
The person who commissions the artist must be able to «recognise» himself or herself in the portrait and the other spectators must also be able to recognise him or her. The question is not simply one of resemblance, but also of credibility.
The portrait during the 19th century
A portrait is essentially the closest possible representation of an individual. The criterion of physical resemblance is important, but the portrait also reflects the model’s character, psychology and social group.
The person who commissions the artist must be able to «recognise» himself or herself in the portrait and the other spectators must also be able to recognise him or her. The question is not simply one of resemblance, but also of credibility.
In Reunion, portraits painted during the first half of the 19th century also became more democratic.
Artists responded to commissions passed by wealthy clients who considered it fashionable to have family portraits hanging in their living room and thus leave an image of their success for posterity.
It is also an important source of income for the artists. Reed more...
In Reunion, portraits painted during the first half of the 19th century also became more democratic.
Artists responded to commissions passed by wealthy clients who considered it fashionable to have family portraits hanging in their living room and thus leave an image of their success for posterity.
It is also an important source of income for the artists. Reed more...
Antoine Louis Roussin, painted portraits
Antoine Louis Roussin arrived on Bourbon island in 1842. In 1845 he opened his workshop where dignitaries commissioned him to paint portraits.
His artistic fame was asserted and in 1855 he was appointed professor at the Saint-Denis high school where he taught imitation drawing according to the ancient tradition of copying the great masters.
Antoine Louis Roussin, painted portraits
Antoine Louis Roussin arrived on Bourbon island in 1842. In 1845 he opened his workshop where dignitaries commissioned him to paint portraits.
His artistic fame was asserted and in 1855 he was appointed professor at the Saint-Denis high school where he taught imitation drawing according to the ancient tradition of copying the great masters.
