19th century school - Profile of the bust of a kneeling cardinal

School of the XIXth around 1880
Profile of the bust of a kneeling cardinal
Oil on canvas mounted on panel
H. 18 cm ; L. 22 cm

During the second half of the 19th century, many European painters began to paint historical compositions, many of them with a large number of figures. These historical subjects often deal with medieval times but for some of them with precise points of the politics of the 17th century. Polish, German, Italian and French painters presented strong works at the Salon in the 1860s and 90s, in which crowned heads, prelates and prominent historical figures were again confronted. The cardinal of Richelieu was presented at the Salon in various subjects dozens of times during the end of the century. Louis XI and his entourage as well.

It is certainly for a large composition of this type that our sketch was made. On a white background, of small format and brushed without trying to add the final glazes, this figure represents a cardinal seen in profile, whose bust alone fits into the frame. From his position and the position of his eyes, it is easy to see that the prelate dressed in purple, one knee on the ground, is looking slightly above him at a more important figure.