General Étienne-Maurice Gérard (1773–1852)

General Étienne-Maurice Gérard (1773–1852) is a powerful oil on canvas portrait created in 1816 by the master of Neoclassicism, Jacques Louis David. This depiction of the esteemed French General was executed during a challenging personal and political period for the artist; following the final defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, David was exiled to Brussels. The painting captures Gérard, who served prominently across the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and would later become Marshal of France and a prominent statesman during the July Monarchy.

The medium of oil on canvas allows David to achieve a restrained yet penetrating study of character, moving away from the overt grandeur of his earlier imperial portraits. This work, completed in 1816, reflects the sober mood of the post-Napoleonic era, presenting the General in civilian attire rather than full military uniform. David focuses instead on the psychological depth of the sitter, emphasizing the serious composure and internal resolve of the high-ranking subject.

The portrait, rendered with the characteristic precision and polished surface of David’s late style, eschews elaborate detail. The subject is presented with directness, his dark attire contrasting sharply with the neutral background, lending the general a quiet dignity appropriate to the shifting political climate. This important portrait, which exemplifies the artist's focused approach to depicting distinguished men, resides today in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. As a significant historical artifact, the artwork has entered the public domain, allowing for widespread access to high-quality prints for scholarly research and appreciation.