Antique Rembrandt Peale Attributed Original Realism Portrait of Marie Antoinette After Louise-Elisabeth Vigee Lebrun American Neoclassical Oil Painting
Original painting in the American Neoclassical school, attributed to the American school of art including Rembrandt Peale, after an original portrait by French artist, Louise-Elisabeth Vigee Lebrun. Estimated to have been created after Rembrandt Peale's trip to France, (approximately 1810), to further his art studies; where the artist created several works after master painters. The delicate lace on Marie Antoinette's dress is a perfect correlation with the lace detail in the painting, "Portrait of Rosalba Peale" by Rembrandt Peale at the National Portrait Gallery Washington DC. Rembrandt Peale also painted a portrait of another French Revolutionary, (Portrait Of Napoleon Bonaparte).
Rembrandt Peale, (1778 – 1860), was an American artist and museum keeper. A prolific portrait painter, he was especially acclaimed for his likenesses of presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Peale's style was influenced by French Neoclassicism after a stay in Paris in his early thirties.
In 1822, Peale moved to New York City where he embarked on an attempt to paint what he hoped would become the "standard likeness" of Washington. He studied portraits by other artists including John Trumbull, Gilbert Stuart and his own father, as well as his own 1795 picture which had never truly satisfied him. His resulting work Patriae Pater, completed in 1824, depicts Washington through an oval window, and is considered by many to be second only to Gilbert Stuart's iconic Athenaeum painting of the first president. Peale subsequently attempted to capitalize on the success of what quickly became known as his "Porthole" picture. Patriae Pater (Latin for "Father of Our Country") was purchased by Congress in 1832 for $2,000. It currently hangs in the Old Senate Chamber.
In 1826, Rembrandt Peale helped found the National Academy of Design in New York City.
American Neoclassical Painter
Rembrandt Peale's portrait paintings are outstanding examples of the Americanized Neoclassical style in the nineteenth century. His historical portraits of George and Martha Washington and others, were all within the guidelines firmly dictated by the French Academy. Peale's style is characterized by realism and historical subject matter, and a refined sensibility
Description and Origins of the Neoclassic Art Movement
The period is called neoclassical because its artists looked back to the art and culture of classical Greece and Rome. The spread of Neoclassical Art was primarily inspired by recent roman archeological excavations, including Pompeii and by the writings of art historian Johann Joachim Winckelmann. Winckelmann touted Greco-Roman art, writing explicit descriptions of erotic sculptures from Classical Antiquity thereby encouraging an interest in Greek antiquities. Neoclassical art is characterized by its classical form and structure, clarity, and to an degree, realism.
French Neoclassism painters emphasis's patriotism, as well as a sense of civility and honorableness. The movement was particularly connected with the beliefs of the French Revolution and was seen as anti-aristocratic. The fantasy-based aristocratic art of the Rococo seemed an insult upon the rights of men and was vilified by critics and the general public. In an age of sweeping revolution and transformation Neoclassicism became the art of change.
Rembrandt Peale
(1778 – 1860)
American Neoclassicism
Philadelphia
Portrait of Marie Antoinette after Louise-Elisabeth Vigee Lebrun
Oil on Philadelphia Pennsylvania Canvas
Approximately 1810
Approximate measurements are 12" X 18", plus frame
Painting is housed in very old, antique, original wood frame. The frame has been repainted long ago, with gold paint. It could be brought back by restoration/ stripping the gold paint. Frame is still in good, stable condition.
Painting is initialed in elaborate type initials/monogram, lower middle. "R" is the most pronounced, with an intertwining letter. Please review images. Painting is signed lightly; but graphite/stamp in paint, is still visible. Due to low visibility of signature, painting is listed in the manner of American artist, Rembrandt Peale.
Painting is in overall very good condition. There is a chip the size of a pencil eraser, from a small hole of the same size that has been patched; shows from reverse, as well. (In Marie Antoinette's hair) There are also two to three smaller places in the background tree, to the right, and to the left that have had small corrections. The painting restoration was started, but not completed. Please review images.
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