Collection of the University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA.
71.1.16
Portrait of Juliette Récamier
Ink
Wood Engraving
Prints
7 in W x 11.187 in H(Paper)
American;French
Wood engraving after François Gérard's portrait of Juliette Récamier (1777-1849). Original painting (c.1805) at the Musée Carnavalet in Paris.
The elegant and graceful draping of the fabric worn by the woman can be attributed to Cole's ability to depict scenes with a sensitive attention to detail. In his time, Cole was known for his copies of famous works, which in turn helped to elevate his career and allowed him to transcend the modern world's departure from wood engraving. This wood engraving of the portrait of Juliette Récamier by François Gérard brings to light the ability of portraits to downplay the identity of the sitter and construct an idyllic setting. The formal posture of the woman and her frontal gaze draws in the viewer's attention, placing greater emphasis on her beauty than her identity. The lack of personalization in the title and composition questions the "face value" of the sitter and encourages the viewer to engage with the contrasts between male and female portraiture. When looking at the other portraits in the gallery, ask yourself what identity is being displayed and whether or not gender influences how you interpret the work.
-from exhibition label for Face Value (fall 2012)
-from exhibition label for Face Value (fall 2012)
In Collection
Department of Fine Arts, University of Pittsburgh, March 1958.
Carnegie Museum auction, Pittsburgh, October 13, 1957.
Carnegie Museum auction, Pittsburgh, October 13, 1957.
Please note that cataloging is ongoing and that some information may not be complete.