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General Jean-Baptiste Kléber (Sketch for "The Battle of the Pyramids")
Antoine-Jean Gros·c. 1835
Historical Context
This sketch of General Kleber alone, one of Gros's studies for The Battle of the Pyramids, focuses on the commanding figure of the Alsatian general who would later succeed Napoleon as commander of French forces in Egypt. Kleber's tall, imposing physique and distinctive features made him a compelling subject for history painting. Gros used such individual figure studies to work out poses and characterizations before assembling them in the final monumental composition.
Technical Analysis
The oil sketch on linen captures Kleber's commanding stance with economical, vigorous brushwork. Gros establishes the figure's essential form and movement with broad strokes of warm tone against the lighter ground, demonstrating his gift for rapid characterization.
Provenance
J.-B. Delestre, Paris. His sale, Drouot, 13-14 October 1871 (lot 1), Les deux esquisses pour les pendentifs de droite et de gauche, surajoutés au tableau de la Bataille des Pyramides, ff 500 to M. Couvreur (perhaps sold to J. Arnous de Rivière, directeur de Revue illustrée, bought for ff 700 at Delestre sale, through 1880; Tripier le Franc 1880, 500). Gustave Rothan, Château de Luttenbach, (near Munster, Alsace). By descent after his death in 1890 to his daughter, Christa Anna Maria Rothan (in 1895, Baronne Pierre de Coubertin) until after 1917, Lausanne. By 1955, Jacques Seligmann & Co, New York, 1955. Purchased by the CMA in 1972.
See It In Person
More by Antoine-Jean Gros
Portrait of the Maistre Sisters
Antoine-Jean Gros·1796
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Egyptian Family (Sketch for "The Battle of the Pyramids")
Antoine-Jean Gros·c. 1835
Portrait of Count Jean-Antoine Chaptal
Antoine-Jean Gros·1824
General Jean-Baptiste Kléber and Egyptian Family (Sketches for "The Battle of the Pyramids")
Antoine-Jean Gros·c. 1835
