David, Jacques Louis
– Portrait of Pierre Seriziat. Oil on wood (1795) 129 x 95.5 cm RF 1281
Part 1 Louvre

Here we observe a full-length portrait of a gentleman posed outdoors. He is seated on what appears to be a draped hunting jacket or cloak, positioned slightly off-center within the composition. The mans gaze is directed towards the viewer, conveying an air of confidence and perhaps a touch of playful self-awareness.
The artist has rendered him in fashionable attire: a dark coat with prominent buttons, a crisp white shirt with a flowing cravat, light-colored breeches tucked into riding boots, and a tall black hat adorned with a red feather. A riding crop is casually looped over his shoulder, reinforcing the impression of leisure and equestrian pursuits. The details of his clothing are meticulously depicted, suggesting an emphasis on status and refinement.
The background is softly rendered, presenting a landscape of rolling hills under a pale sky. This backdrop serves to contextualize the subject within a natural setting, yet it remains somewhat indistinct, drawing focus primarily onto the individual. The lighting is even, illuminating his face and clothing with clarity while maintaining a subdued overall tone.
Subtleties in the painting suggest layers of meaning beyond a simple representation of a man. The relaxed posture, combined with direct eye contact, implies an ease and familiarity that could be interpreted as a statement about social standing or personal character. The hunting paraphernalia – the jacket, boots, and riding crop – points to a life of privilege and outdoor recreation, hinting at the subject’s engagement in pursuits associated with the aristocracy or landed gentry.
The artists choice to depict him outdoors, rather than within an interior setting, might signify a connection to nature and a rejection of overly formal conventions. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and cultivated leisure, presenting a portrait that aims not only to record likeness but also to convey a sense of personality and social identity.