An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Antoine Laurent Lavoisier (1743–1794) and Marie Anne Lavoisier (Marie Anne Pierrette Paulze, 1758–1836)Jacques Louis David
French, Paris 1748–1825 Brussels
1788
102 1/4 x 76 5/8 in. (259.7 x 194.6 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman Gift, in honor of Everett Fahy, 1977
This artwork by Jacques Louis David presents Antoine Laurent Lavoisier and his wife, Marie Anne, in a moment that feels both intimate and intellectually vibrant. Lavoisier, often regarded as the father of modern chemistry, is depicted seated beside a table filled with scientific instruments. His expression reveals focus and curiosity—contemplating the wonders of nature and the elements.
Marie Anne, closely positioned to him, contributes to both the personal and professional atmosphere. She exudes a sense of warmth and support, adorned in a flowing white gown that symbolizes purity and enlightenment. The couple together embodies a partnership in both love and science, reflecting the progressive ideas of the late 18th century.
The contrasting colors of the red tablecloth and the dark attire highlight their individual roles in the realm of science, suggesting that her influence is just as paramount as his. The backdrop, with its classical columns, further roots them in the Enlightenment era, a time rich with discovery and intellectual discourse.
This scene is not merely a portrait; it captures the essence of collaboration and the blending of personal and scientific endeavors, inviting viewers to ponder the interplay of love and intellect in the pursuit of knowledge.
About the artist
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