Honorable Frederic Sylvester Douglas - Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres

A refined graphite portrait of the Honorable Frederic Sylvester Douglas by the French Neoclassical master Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, dated 1815.

This portrait depicts the Honorable Frederic Sylvester Douglas, a British politician and traveller, captured during his time in Rome. Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, a master of the Neoclassical tradition, produced this work in 1815. The drawing demonstrates his characteristic precision, focusing on the clarity of line and the subtle modelling of form. Ingres was well known for his portrait drawings, which he often created for visitors on the Grand Tour. These works provided a record of their travels and social standing.

The composition is restrained, placing the subject in a three-quarter view against a plain background. This choice directs the viewer's attention to the sitter's features and the texture of his attire. The artist uses graphite with varying pressure to define the folds of the coat and the soft, ruffled fabric of the cravat. The hair is rendered with light, rhythmic strokes, suggesting movement and volume without excessive detail. The signature and date, inscribed by the artist in the lower right, confirm the location and timing of the sitting.

Ingres maintained a disciplined approach to his portraiture, prioritising anatomical accuracy and a balanced composition. His ability to capture the likeness and character of his subjects made him a sought-after artist among the European elite. This print reproduces the original graphite study, preserving the delicate tonal shifts and the clean, deliberate lines that define the artist's hand. It offers a glimpse into the social circles of early nineteenth-century Rome, where art and diplomacy frequently intersected. The work remains a clear example of the artist's technical proficiency and his adherence to the principles of draughtsmanship that defined his career.