Frederic Sylvester Douglas

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, 1815

MEDIUMLithograph on paper
DIMENSIONSImage: 18 × 14.8 cm (7 1/8 × 5 7/8 in.); Sheet: 28.7 × 24.8 cm (11 5/16 × 9 13/16 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago

This lithograph offers an intimate glimpse into the early 19th century through a portrait that masterfully blends classical precision with a sense of individual introspection. It showcases the artist's exceptional drawing skill in capturing human character.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

In this lithograph, Frederic Sylvester Douglas is captured in a moment of thoughtful repose. His gaze, directed slightly away, suggests an internal world, a common characteristic in portraits from the early 19th century. The soft shading, a hallmark of Ingres's graphic works, defines the contours of his face and the subtle folds of his clothing, giving the impression of a living presence despite the monochromatic medium. Created in 1815, this piece reflects the refined drawing style that was a foundation of the Neoclassical movement, emphasizing clarity of form and idealized representation. The artist, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, often focused on the individual's character, even in these more intimate, less formal studies, making this portrait a compelling example of his approach to capturing human essence.

ART MOVEMENTS
Academic artClassicismNeoclassicismRomanticism
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

Observe the delicate lines that define Douglas's hair and the subtle shadows on his forehead.

2

Notice the slight tilt of his head and the gentle curve of his neck.

3

Look closely at the precise rendering of his collar and the folds of his coat.

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Audio Deep Dive

This lithograph offers an intimate glimpse into the early 19th century through a portrait that masterfully blends classical precision with a sense of individua…

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THE ARTIST
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres 1780–1867 · France

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, a French Neoclassical painter, masterfully blended academic tradition with expressive distortions, influencing modernists like Matisse and Picasso.

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