216 - Jacques-Louis DAVID (1748–1825), from the circle of.

Jacques-Louis DAVID (1748–1825), from the circle of. Bust portrait of Pope Pius VII. Oil on canvas. Significant tears and missing sections. H. 87 x W. 73.5 cm. History This famous portrait of Pope Pius VII was painted in February 1805 in the presence of the subject, who had been brought to France for the Emperor’s coronation; it was commissioned from the painter by the Crown. This portrait is considered one of David’s masterpieces; he skillfully captured both the pope’s character, full of wisdom and gentleness, and his demeanor, in which one perceives an expression of resignation. A former revolutionary and regicide, the painter seems to have been literally captivated by this pope, whose simplicity and profound humanity impressed him; he would later write: “This is a special study I undertook to create an original work; what motivated me to do so was the desire to gain a true understanding of the features and character of this head of the Church, who lived through difficult and extraordinary times.” The painting, created in 1805, was exhibited in the Senate Gallery before being hung in the Louvre, where it remains to this day. Napoleon commissioned two other replicas, which he placed at the Palace of Fontainebleau and the Palace of Versailles. A third version was kept by David, who took it with him to Brussels during his exile; it remained in his studio until after the artist’s death in 1826. Related Works - Jacques-Louis David, “Pius VII (1742–1823), Elected Pope in 1800” (1805), Louvre Museum, signed and dated “Lud.David Parisiis 1805” (inv. 3701). - Studio of Jacques-Louis David, “Pius VII (1742–1823)” (1805), Louvre Museum, on loan to the Château de Fontainebleau, titled (inv. 3702). - “Souvenirs Historiques” auction, Millon, November 25, 2022, lot 68 (sold for €5,850). - “Souvenirs Historiques” auction, Millon, April 26, 2024, lot 180.