Robert Lefèvre – Dominique Vivant, Baron Denon (1747-1825) Château de Versailles

The portrait presents a gentleman in what appears to be a moment of relaxed engagement with a large volume. He is positioned slightly off-center, angled towards the viewer with a subtle smile playing on his lips. The lighting emphasizes his face and hands, drawing attention to these focal points while leaving the background deliberately dark and indistinct.
The man’s attire contributes significantly to the overall impression. A dark blue coat, meticulously rendered in its texture, is paired with a fur-lined cape draped over his shoulders, suggesting both comfort and status. The crisp white shirt collar and loosely knotted cravat add a touch of formality without appearing overly stiff or restrictive.
The volume he holds is clearly the central element beyond the man himself. Its size dominates the composition, and the title visible on its cover – Œuvre de Nicolas Poussin par Pesne – immediately establishes an association with art history and connoisseurship. The way he cradles the book suggests a reverence for its contents, as if it were a treasured possession. A small engraving of a figure is visible within the open pages, hinting at the artistic subject matter contained within.
The subtexts embedded in this depiction are layered. The man’s posture and expression convey an air of intellectual curiosity and cultivated taste. He isnt merely displaying the book; he seems to be actively enjoying its contents. This suggests a personality that values learning, refinement, and engagement with artistic heritage. The fur cape could signify wealth or influence, while the overall presentation implies a man comfortable in his social standing and confident in his intellectual pursuits.
The darkness of the background serves not only to isolate the figure but also to create an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. It directs attention solely towards the individual and the book he holds, reinforcing the impression that this is a portrait intended to celebrate intellect and artistic appreciation. The deliberate lack of environmental detail further elevates the subject from everyday life into a realm of cultured leisure.