Description
The painting "The Entry of the Future Charles V into Paris in 1358" by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres is a masterpiece of French neoclassicism of the 19th century. The painting depicts the triumphant entry of the future King Charles V of France into Paris in 1358, after victory in the Hundred Years' War.
The composition of the work is impressive, with a great amount of detail that makes it look like a photograph. The characters are arranged in different planes, creating a sense of depth and movement. The perspective is accurate and the lighting is naturalistic, giving a sense of realism to the scene.
Color is another important aspect of the work. Ingres used a sober and elegant color palette, with earthy and gray tones that create an austere and solemn atmosphere. However, some details in red and gold on the clothing of the main characters, such as the future King Charles V and his uncle, the Duke of Normandy, add a touch of color and light to the work.
The story behind the painting is also interesting. Ingres was commissioned to paint this work in 1817, but did not finish it until 1821. The work was criticized by some for its neoclassical style, which was considered outdated at the time. However, over time, the painting became one of Ingres's most famous works and one of the most representative of French Neoclassicism.
Finally, a little known aspect of the work is that Ingres included his own portrait in the painting. It can be seen in the lower right, as a man with a beard and a hat, looking towards the main scene. This detail is an example of the self-portrait technique, which was common at the time and allowed artists to include themselves in their work.