An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
François Tronchin1757
Jean-Etienne Liotard
This pastel drawing depicts François Tronchin, a prominent figure in his native Geneva and an impassioned patron of the arts. The table before Tronchin features a book, mathematical instruments, and papers that indicate his interests in architecture and music. Rembrandt's <em>Lady in Bed</em>, a painting that the Dutch master created around 1645 (today in the collection of the Scottish National Gallery) and the most highly prized painting in Tronchin's collection, rests on an easel nearby. Liotard considered the portrait of Tronchin among his finest works, and the meticulous rendering of the sitter's powdered wig, transparent flesh, and lace cuffs suggest the skill he had developed in pastel at this time.
Jean-Etienne Liotard created portraits of eight other members of the Tronchin family around the same time as this pastel.
pastel on parchment
Unframed: 38 x 46.3 cm (14 15/16 x 18 1/4 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
In a serene room bathed in soft light, a pastel drawing quietly unfolds the story of François Tronchin, a man of conviction and notable significance in the heart of Geneva. There he sits, calm and composed, a mirror to the vibrant world of arts that he fervently champions. At the table before him, an array of objects lay scattered: a well-worn book embraces the silence, intricate mathematical instruments hint at a mind grappling with the architecture of ideas, and papers lay strewn, whispering dreams of symphonies yet to be penned.
Nearby, on an elegant easel, rests the illustrious canvas known as Rembrandt's *Lady in Bed*. This painting, born from the brush of the Dutch master around 1645, holds a treasured place in Tronchin's heart, its allure drawing admirers from across the ages. With a quiet reverence, one can almost sense the essence of the artwork breathing life into the room, its colors and emotions intertwined with the pale artistry of the pastel drawing.
As one's gaze shifts back to the drawing, the meticulous craftsmanship of Liotard emerges. The subtle play of light dances over Tronchin's powdered wig, tracing the delicate curls with almost a loving touch. The transparency of his flesh is rendered with such finesse that it appears to shimmer with authenticity, while the lace cuffs of his attire seem to flutter lightly at his wrists, frozen in a moment of remarkable detail.
This drawing, a blend of impeccable artistry and deep personal connection, serves as a testament to Tronchin—not just as a collector of paintings, but as a cultured man whose heart resonates with the symphony of creativity that surrounds him. The room, with its rich tapestry of stories, stands witness to a moment where art and life conspire to tell the tale of a visionary and his enduring legacy.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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