Portrait of a soldier

The great masters of the Golden Age, such as Anton Van Dyck and above all Rembrandt, played a key role in shaping Alexis Grimou's style. Probably a pupil of the portraitist François de Troy (1679-1752), admitted to the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture in 1705, Grimou specialized in the portrait genre. He often dressed his models in costumes borrowed from the theater or exotic fashions, as in the painting of Orléans. Sometimes considered a self-portrait, although there's no evidence to support this, this beautiful painting bears witness to Rembrandt's fascination for the painter. Grimou was particularly inspired by Rembrandt's pupils, such as Govaert Flinck and Salomon Koninck, whose workmanship was often smoother than that of the master. There is no evidence that Grimou ever visited Holland, but in 18th-century Paris, it was possible to learn about Rembrandt's art through his many paintings, which were available to art lovers. The subject and composition are reminiscent of works by Rembrandt's circle: Grimou multiplies the fantasy figures and cuirassés, fashionable in Rembrandt's Caravaggesque corps de garde scenes. Here, the figure wears a Spanish-style costume, a motif appreciated by Fragonard and Vincent in the late 18th century. He also borrows the toque motif from Rembrandt, often used by the master to cap his models in portraits. The rotation of the model's body, with head turned towards the viewer, is Rembrandt-influenced, as is the subtle chiaroscuro that also evokes 16th-century Venetian luminism. Around 1700, Dutch and Venetian influences converged, fueled by the same desire for naturalism, mystery and sensitivity. Impasto on lace and the edge of the breastplate, parallel strokes in the manner of pastels, a broad brushstroke and a finish with transparent effects for the face and the rest of the garment are other characteristics of Grimou. His virtuosity is fully expressed in this portrait, to which he lends a special atmosphere, and which testifies to Grimou's role in the evolution of the genre.