Realization: Lenoir, Simon Bernard (1729 - 1791) (Painter)
Portrait of Robert-Joseph Pothier, jurist and law professor (1699-1772)
Portrait of Robert-Joseph Pothier, jurist and law professor (1699-1772)
Production: 1760 - 1770
Estate: Painting
Technique(s): Canvas (oil paint)
Dimensions : H. 80 cm ; W. 64 cm
Inventory no.: PE.596
Photo credit(s) :
Ollivier, Thierry
Cartel
Robert Joseph Pothier belongs to an old Orléans family and is best known for his work as a jurisconsult. A member of the Orléans Presidial Council, he was appointed Professor of Law at the University of Orléans in 1750. Pothier possessed a vast legal culture, taking an interest in French law as well as that of foreign kingdoms. He published numerous works of fundamental importance to the study of Roman and French law. His work was a major inspiration for the drafters of the French Civil Code in the early 19th century.
Pothier is shown here in a black judge's robe, with a wide flap and scalloped cuffs, his face framed by a simple powdered wig. The composition is sober and rigorous, monumentalizing the model whose lively gaze is impressive. Seated in an armchair in front of a table, the jurist is surrounded by several books referring to his various works.
In his hands, the slice marked "NOUV./COUT/D'ORLEANS" points to the Coutumes des duché, bailliage et prévosté d'Orléans et ressorts d'iceux... published by Pothier in 1740. On the right, the two other books evoke his work as a jurisconsult: Various French law treaties above, and Pandectae justinianes in novum ordinem digestae which refers to the collection of Roman law written by
Justinian I, edited by Pothier and published between 1749 and 1752.
This work, one of Lenoir's finest portraits, is known from several copies, one of which is on display at the Hôtel Groslot (Orléans). Lenoir specialized in the portrait genre and is best known as a pastellist, influenced by Maurice Quentin de La Tour (1704-1788). In addition to Pothier, he portrayed a number of Orléans personalities, including Louis Leblanc, dean of the College of Surgery, and the daughter of Aignan-Thomas Desfriches.
Provenance
Vaudebergue Collection.
Purchased by François-Martial Marcille (1790-1856) from Monsieur de Vaudebergue.
By descent from François-Martial Marcille to Eudoxe Marcille (1814-1890).
Donated by Eudoxe Marcille to the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans, April 22, 1870.
School
France
Location
Museum of Fine Arts
1st floor
Room: Courtly art under Louis XV and Pompadour L'Orléans des lumières