Artwork Page for Mme. Dufresne

Details / Information for Mme. Dufresne

Mme. Dufresne

c. 1816

Pierre-Paul Prud'hon

(French, 1758–1823)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
oil on paper mounted on fabric
Measurements
Framed: 34.5 x 27 x 5 cm (13 9/16 x 10 5/8 x 1 15/16 in.); Unframed: 23.8 x 17.5 cm (9 3/8 x 6 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Severance and Greta Millikin Collection 1964.292
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

The artist made this sketch in preparation for a full-length portrait of Madame Dufresne that is now lost. Prud'hon showed the sitter—probably the wife of an art dealer—in a landscape where she is seated in a relaxed pose with her legs crossed. According to an early auction record, the composition is based upon one of several sketches Prud'hon made for a portrait of Empress Josephine (1763–1814). The empress probably rejected the pose as too casual. Prud'hon's portraits show his skill in capturing emotions, especially melancholy. This is true of the Cleveland portrait; despite its rough surface, we sense the sitter's gentle demeanor and slightly wistful expression. In 1789 Prud'hon was awarded the Prix de Rome, a scholarship that allowed especially gifted French art students the chance to study in Rome. While in Italy, Prud'hon was deeply influenced not only by ancient Roman art but also by the lively, international Neoclassical movement that was centered there. After his return to France, the artist became very popular with Napoleon, painting portraits of the emperor and his entourage and acting as Empress Josephine's drawing instructor.
A vertically oriented oil portrait depicts a woman with light skin tone seated in profile, turned toward our right while looking at us. Soft, blended brushstrokes create her high-waisted white gown and the yellow shawl with a multicolored border draped over her lap. Bright light from our left illuminates her against a dark, shadowy garden. In the background to our right, a stone urn and pedestal are partially visible in the gloom.

Mme. Dufresne

c. 1816

Pierre-Paul Prud'hon

(French, 1758–1823)
France, 19th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork