Jean-August-Dominique Ingres

Jean-August-Dominique Ingres is a French neo-classical painter, and one of the major portrait painters of the 19th century. He received his first lessons in art and music from his father, Joseph Ingres (1755-1814), miniature-artist and sculptor. Ingres won the Prix de Rome in 1801. A lifelong admirer of both Raphael and ancient art, he adored Italy. While residing in Rome, he often lived hand-to-mouth, surviving by drawing graceful pencil portraits of wealthy French people on holiday. He returned to Paris in 1824 to find his Vow of Louis XIII applauded by critics. Compared with the free brushwork and brilliant color of newcomer Eugéne Delacroix, Ingres's elegant paintings suddenly seemed more palatable.