Ami-Jean De La Rive 1758

This is a portrait of Ami-Jean De La Rive, made by Jean-Étienne Liotard, probably in the mid-18th century, using pastels. Pastels, seemingly simple sticks of pigment, demand extraordinary control. The artist builds up layers of powdery color, blending with a light touch to create luminous effects. Look closely, and you can see how the soft, almost granular texture of the pastels lends itself to capturing the textures of the sitter's fur stole and powdered wig. The choice of pastels, rather than oil paint, also speaks to the social context of this work. Pastel portraits were fashionable among the rising middle class, offering a quicker, less expensive alternative to traditional oil painting. While seemingly delicate, pastels are also remarkably durable, a testament to the artist's skill and the inherent qualities of the materials. So, next time you see a pastel, remember that it's not just about the image, but also about the artist's touch, the material's unique properties, and the broader social forces at play.