Madame de Pastoret and Her Son

Madame de Pastoret and Her Son is a powerful oil on canvas painting created by the foundational Neoclassical master Jacques-Louis David (French, 1748–1825) between 1791 and 1792. This large-scale work of art represents a critical period in 18th century France, executed just as the country was engulfed by the early years of the French Revolution and the artist himself was shifting toward political radicalism. Although David is most famous for monumental historical narratives, this portrait retains a sense of quiet intimacy and controlled elegance, showcasing his unparalleled skill in representing human character.

The piece captures Adélaide de Pastoret, née Pillet, and her young son, an important subject given the political connections of her husband, Claude-Emmanuel de Pastoret. David employs meticulous draftsmanship and controlled lighting characteristic of the severe, moralizing tone of Neoclassicism. However, the depiction moves away from the formal aristocratic trappings of pre-Revolutionary portraiture, introducing a subtle, personal quality that elevates the tenderness between mother and child. The composition emphasizes strong vertical lines and an austere setting, demonstrating the artist’s mastery of the grand manner while simultaneously prioritizing bourgeois domesticity, a theme increasingly valued in revolutionary France.

This work stands as one of David’s most important transitional portraits, showcasing the shift from the theatricality of the previous era to the rigid civic virtues espoused by the new republic. Today, this vital record of French culture resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a landmark 18th century achievement, high-quality digital reproductions of Madame de Pastoret and Her Son are frequently made available for study. While the original oil on canvas resides securely in the museum, many fine art prints of this seminal David portrait are distributed globally, often entering the public domain due to the age and significance of the original work.