Portrait of Michel-Jean Sedaine 1772

Jacques Louis David painted this portrait of Michel-Jean Sedaine, likely in oil on canvas, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. David's mastery lies in his ability to capture the texture and form of Sedaine's clothing with paint. The way the light catches on the fabric of his coat, creating subtle gradations of tone, gives the impression of depth and volume. This suggests a deep understanding of the materials of tailoring: the cut of the cloth, the way it drapes, and the weight of the material itself. There's something deeply democratic about David's approach. He elevates the craft of tailoring to the level of high art, suggesting that there's beauty and skill to be found in the everyday world. The production of textiles and clothing was itself a major industry, employing countless artisans and laborers, and speaks to a wider context of labor, politics, and consumption. So, next time you look at a painting, don't just focus on the subject matter. Pay attention to the materials and the making, and you might just discover a whole new layer of meaning.