203 - Charles François JALABERT (1818–1901)

Charles François JALABERT (1818–1901) Presumed portrait of Louis-Antoine Saint-Just, nicknamed “the Archangel of Terror” Oil on canvas, H_73 x W_60 cm Signed and dated lower left Restorations Related work: Attributed to Angélique-Louise Verrier, Presumed Portrait of Louis-Antoine Saint-Just, pastel on paper, Paris, Musée Carnavalet, D.4366 Charles François Jalabert (1819–1901) was a 19th-century French painter born in Nîmes. A student of Paul Delaroche, he continued his training in Paris and distinguished himself through a varied body of work, including portraits, genre scenes, and historical or religious compositions. He made his debut at the Salon in 1847 and exhibited there regularly for several decades. His art reflects the French academic tradition, characterized by a particular attention to drawing, composition, and the depiction of figures. Jalabert received commissions for portraits of prominent figures and members of influential families. Louis-Antoine de Saint-Just (1767–1794), nicknamed “the Archangel of Terror,” was one of the most prominent and controversial figures of the French Revolution. A close associate of Maximilien Robespierre, he became one of the leading representatives of the revolutionary government and advocated a radical vision of the Republic, based on civic virtue, equality, and severity toward the enemies of the Revolution. A member of the Committee of Public Safety beginning in 1793, he participated in political and military missions aimed at strengthening revolutionary power. His austere eloquence, his intransigence, and his youthful appearance helped forge his legend. Arrested alongside Robespierre on the 9th of Thermidor, Year II (July 27, 1794), he was guillotined the following day, at the age of only 26. Our portrait is similar to the pastel attributed to Angélique-Louise Verrier (1762–1805), which is housed at the Carnavalet Museum in Paris.