Discovering the evolution of Jacques-Louis David\u2019s portrait of Antoine-Laurent and Marie-Anne Pierrette Paulze Lavoisier

Silvia A Centeno,Dorothy Mahon,Federico Carò,David Pullins

doi:10.1186/s40494-021-00551-y

Abstract

Jacques-Louis David’s (1748–1825) iconic portrait of Antoine Laurent Lavoisier (1743–1794) and Marie-Anne Lavoisier (Marie-Anne Pierrette Paulze, 1758–1836) has come to epitomize a modern couple born of the Enlightenment. An analytical approach that combined macro-X-ray fluorescence with the examination and microanalysis of samples by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry to investigate imprecise indications of changes to the composition observed by microscopy and infrared refectography allowed the visualization of a hidden composition with a high level of detail. The results revealed that the first version depicted not the progressive, scientific-minded couple that we see today, but their other identity, that of wealthy tax collectors and fashionable luxury consumers. The first version and the changes to the composition are placed in the context of David’s mastery of the oil painting technique by examining how he concealed colorful features in the first composition by using paint mixtures that allowed for maximum coverage with thin paint layers. The limitations of the analytical techniques used are also discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first in-depth technical study of a painting by J.-L. David.

Highlights

Jacques-Louis David’s monumental portrait of Antoine Laurent Lavoisier (1743–1794) and Marie-Anne Lavoisier (Marie-Anne Pierrette Paulze, 1758–1836) (Fig. 1A) is a milestone of European portraiture and a cornerstone of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) since it came into the collection in 1977 [1, 2]
These results are discussed first, followed by those obtained by macro-X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF), which allowed us to clarify these features, explain observations made under magnification on the surface of the painting, and revealed additional changes with a high level of detail
macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) is a powerful method that, in addition to providing maps of the elemental distributions, together with visual and microscopic analysis often allow establishing the location of the mapped elements within the stratigraphy of different areas [6,7,8,9,10]

Summary

Introduction

Jacques-Louis David’s monumental portrait of Antoine Laurent Lavoisier (1743–1794) and Marie-Anne Lavoisier (Marie-Anne Pierrette Paulze, 1758–1836) (Fig. 1A) is a milestone of European portraiture and a cornerstone of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) since it came into the collection in 1977 [1, 2]. Is this painting seen as a stylistic landmark, and daringly utilizes a full-length format associated with royal sitters to depict an aristocratic couple [2]. The reflectogram revealed some changes, some unclear shapes visible in this reflectogram suggested the possible presence of other

Methods

Results

Conclusion