The Reverend Joseph Church, Rector of Frettenham (Primary Title)
Jean-Auguste-Dominque Ingres, French, 1780 - 1867 (Artist)
This portrait was almost certainly made by Ingres when the Reverend Joseph Church was on a trip to Rome with his brother Thomas Church, whom he also drew in 1816. The final digit in the date of this drawing is indistinct, but Thomas Church’s drawing is clearly dated 1816. This is one of many superb pencil drawings executed by Ingres in Rome to help pay his way between 1806 and 1824. Most of these are of tourists—English, after the end of the Napoleonic wars. They are notable for their linear descriptions, and, although Ingres tended to play down his portraiture, they are remarkable for their precision of detail.
Signed, lower right: "Ingres del Rom. 1816"
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon
Experimental Lines: Impressionist and Postimpressionist Drawings from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon. VMFA, March 23, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
