Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres – Marcotte d’Argenteuil National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The portrait presents a man in formal attire against a dark, undefined background. He is positioned centrally within the frame, facing directly towards the viewer with a gaze that appears both intense and slightly melancholic. The composition emphasizes his frontal presence; theres little sense of depth or environment beyond his immediate figure.
Here we see a careful rendering of the subject’s features – the precise modeling of the face, the meticulous depiction of the hair, and the detailed treatment of the clothing all contribute to an overall impression of refinement and status. The lighting is even, illuminating the face and upper torso while allowing the dark fabric of his coat to recede into shadow. This creates a contrast that draws attention to the subject’s features and highlights the texture of the fabrics.
The man wears a dark blue overcoat with a high collar, fastened at the throat with a cravat of pale yellow silk. A decorative brooch is affixed to the lapel, suggesting military or aristocratic affiliation. His left arm rests casually on what appears to be a draped fabric – a deep red cloth that provides a stark color contrast and serves as a compositional anchor for his posture. The hand gripping this fabric is rendered with considerable detail, revealing subtle nuances in skin tone and texture.
The artist’s choice of pose – a relaxed yet upright stance – conveys an air of authority and self-assurance. However, the downward cast of the eyes and the slight furrowing of the brow introduce a note of introspection or perhaps even weariness. This ambiguity prevents a straightforward reading of confidence; instead, it suggests a more complex psychological state.
The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and quiet dignity. The lack of background detail focuses entirely on the individual, elevating him to a symbolic presence rather than simply a likeness. It’s likely that the work intends to convey not only physical resemblance but also an impression of character and social standing.