Portrait of Count Jean-Antoine Chaptal
Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
unframed: 136.5 × 114.3 cm · framed: 183.5 × 151.1 × 16.5 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Modern European Painting and Sculpture
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund
Accession Number
1964.54
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
About this artwork
Count Chaptal (1756-1832) played a major role in the development of industry after the French Revolution. He adapted scientific discoveries to public works projects, and as interior minister, he reformed transportation, public health, and vocational training in France. The portrait extols his career, marked by stacked filing boxes in the background, as well as the honors he wears, from the silk sash of the scientific Order of Saint Michel to the Legion of Honor medal pinned over his heart.