Liotard: A Portrait of Eighteenth-Century Europe

Jean Etienne Liotard (1702-1789) was a Swiss-born French artist who was one of the most accomplished and witty of 18th-century Europe. He worked in a variety of mediums, including pastel, watercolor, oil painting, printmaking, and enamels, and is known for his realistic portraits and drawings. This new study explores his career and the cultural environment in which he worked, highlighting themes such as fashion history, orientalism, and the promotion and display of portraits.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2023
Publisher: Unicorn Publishing Group

Jean Etienne Liotard (1702-1789) was a remarkable artist who emerged during the 18th century in Europe. Born in Geneva, he embarked on a remarkable career that took him across the continent and the Near East, allowing him to capture a diverse cross-section of society. Liotard's artistic journey took him to various cities such as Paris, London, Amsterdam, Venice, Constantinople, and Vienna, where he excelled as a specialist in the delicate art of pastel. His talent and expertise in this medium earned him widespread recognition and acclaim.

Liotard's artistic prowess extended beyond pastel, as he demonstrated a remarkable versatility in his artistic pursuits. He became renowned for his uncanny realism in portraits, capturing the essence of his subjects with remarkable precision and detail. His drawings, too, were admired for their beauty and intricacy, showcasing his mastery of line and composition. In addition to pastel, Liotard experimented with various other mediums, including watercolour, oil painting, printmaking, and enamels. His exploration of different techniques allowed him to push the boundaries of artistic expression and explore new artistic possibilities.

Liotard's reputation extended beyond Europe, particularly in Britain. His exotic persona and unique style garnered him a significant following, and he received commissions from royalty, aristocrats, grand tourists, and celebrities. His works were sought after for their artistic value and their ability to capture the essence of the individuals they portrayed.

Jean Etienne Liotard's career and practice are explored in depth in LIOTARD: A Portrait of Eighteenth-Century Europe. This new study sheds light on the broader cultural environment in which Liotard operated, highlighting interconnected themes such as fashion history, orientalism, and the promotion and display of portraits in both public and private spheres of Enlightenment Europe. Through a comprehensive analysis of Liotard's works, the book seeks to rectify his relative obscurity and bring him to the forefront of artistic discourse.

In conclusion, Jean Etienne Liotard was a remarkable artist who left an indelible mark on 18th-century Europe. His talent, versatility, and artistic achievements have earned him a place among the most accomplished and influential artists of his time. LIOTARD: A Portrait of Eighteenth-Century Europe provides a valuable insight into his career and practice, shedding light on the wider cultural context in which he operated. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in art history, cultural studies, or the artistic achievements of the 18th century.

Weight: 736g
Dimension: 178 x 248 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911397595