Philippe Mengin de Bionval

Philippe Mengin de Bionval, a portrait drawing created by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres in 1812, is an elegant example of the artist’s prolific output during his residence in Rome. This work, utilizing precise graphite strokes on wove paper, exemplifies the highly finished draftsmanship for which Ingres is renowned. Executed during the French cultural period spanning 1801 to 1825, the drawing showcases the Neoclassical emphasis on purity of line and objective representation, principles Ingres championed throughout his long career.

Ingres approached drawing not merely as a preparatory step for painting, but often as a complete work of art in its own right. In Philippe Mengin de Bionval, the meticulous rendering of the sitter’s face and clothing demonstrates the artist’s ability to capture both physical likeness and psychological presence with minimal resources. The fine graphite technique allows for subtle variations in tone, providing volume and depth while maintaining the clean, crisp contours that were the hallmark of his style. This particular focus on line contrasts sharply with the dynamic brushwork favored by Romantic contemporaries, positioning Ingres firmly within the established French academic tradition.

The work is classified as a drawing and provides valuable insight into the social history of the early 19th century, serving as a visual record of the European expatriate community in Italy. As a key piece documenting the early career of the famed artist, Philippe Mengin de Bionval resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to the historical importance of the graphic output produced by Ingres during this era, and its eventual inclusion alongside similar artifacts in the public domain, high-quality prints and digital reproductions remain essential resources for the study of the Neoclassical period.