François Gerard

François Gérard was a master of Empire style portraiture, born from the ashes of the French Revolution. Think Grand, Glamorous, Glorified:

• Key Characteristics: Smooth, porcelain-like skin, elegant poses, meticulous detail in fabric and jewelry, and a knack for idealizing his subjects while still capturing a likeness. His work has a Neoclassical influence, with its ordered composition and emphasis on line.
• Themes: Power, status, and virtue. He painted royalty, nobility, and powerful figures, showcasing their elegance and authority. His portraits often served as propaganda, promoting the ideals of the Empire.

The "G" connection: Remember Gérard's portraits are Grand portraits of important Gentry.