Le Gout-Gérard, Portrait of Thomas Couture, 19th Century, Lithograph

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Portrait of Thomas Couture – 19th Century French Lithograph by Le Gout-Gérard This 19th-century lithograph presents a refined portrait of … Read more Portrait of Thomas Couture – 19th Century French Lithograph by Le Gout-Gérard This 19th-century lithograph presents a refined portrait of the French painter Thomas Couture (1815–1879), known for his influential historical compositions and for mentoring a generation of artists including Édouard Manet. Seated casually yet with an air of composed confidence, Couture is depicted in relaxed attire with open collar, leaning back slightly in an upholstered chair, his gaze calmly meeting the viewer. The portrait was drawn by Le Gout-Gérard and lithographed with notable attention to fine line and soft tonal gradation. The print likely dates to the mid-1850s, during the height of Couture’s artistic reputation following the success of his monumental painting *Romans During the Decadence* (1847). This image is part of a larger series of artist portraits published during the 19th century to celebrate the cultural icons of the period. Thomas Couture was a pivotal figure in French academic painting, bridging classical techniques and romantic expression. He taught extensively and published a treatise on painting that influenced younger artists in both technique and approach. In this portrait, his youthful appearance and slightly unkempt hair suggest the image was taken from a relatively early point in his career, reinforcing his reputation as both rebellious and highly accomplished. Lithography allowed for expressive yet precise renderings such as this, capturing the sitter’s personality without the formality of oil portraiture. The drawing conveys the immediacy of a studio sitting, with Couture's body language reflecting a mix of confidence and introspection. Condition report: The print is in very good condition overall. The image area is clean, with sharp detail and even tone. There are a few minor foxing spots in the margin and slight edge handling visible, typical of 19th-century sheets. The paper is untrimmed and well-preserved. Framing suggestions: A simple black or dark walnut frame would enhance the modernity of Couture’s pose while referencing 19th-century taste. A light cream or soft grey mat will complement the lithographic lines without overwhelming the portrait. For preservation, UV-resistant glass is recommended. This piece is well suited to a studio, library, or collection focusing on the history of art, Romantic-era France, or artists’ portraits. See less