Ingres, Jean-Auguste-Dominique

(1780-1867)

   painter

   A leading figure in the neoclassical movement, ingres was born in Montauban, the son of an ornamental sculptor who encouraged his son's early skills. Ingres entered the studio of jacques-louis david in Paris (1797) and soon won the Prix de Rome (1801). From 1806 to 1820, he painted in Rome, developing his extraordinary talents. He was greatly influenced by the work of Raphael, whose style inspired him as much as David's. in 1820, ingres left Rome to study in Florence for four years. While in italy, he executed several portraits. At that time, he also painted a number of important allegorical works, including Oedipus and the Sphinx (1807) and Jupiter and Thetis (1811). He is also well known for his nudes painted during this period, especially the Grande Odalisque (1814). on his return to Paris, Ingres won great acclaim with his Vow of Louis XIII, exhibited at the Paris salon in 1824. He became the recognized leader of the neoclassical school, which contrasted with the romantic movement led by eugène delacroix and théodore géricault. At this time, he also painted The Apotheosis of Homer (1827). In 1834, angered by the poor reception given his Martyrdom of Saint Symphorien (1834), he left Paris to accept the directorship of the French Academy in Rome. ingres's reputation remained untarnished, however, and in 1841 he returned to Paris to be received as one of France's most celebrated painters. In 1845, he was awarded the rank of commander of the legion of honor. In the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1855, both he and his rival Delacroix were awarded gold medals. ingres's keen sensitivity, superb draftsmanship, and precise neoclassical linear style were especially suited to portraiture. ingres continued to paint throughout his life, at age 82 producing his famous The Turkish Bath (1863), recognized as the culmination of his superb depiction of female nudes. ingres's influence has been enormous, and important later painters who acknowledged their inspiration from his style include edgar degas, henri matisse, auguste renoir, and Pablo Picasso.