Le général comte François Fournier-Sarlovèze

This portrait of General Comte Fournier-Sarlevèze at the Louvre depicts one of Napoleon’s most dashing cavalry officers, known for his dueling and his flamboyant personality. Fournier-Sarlevèze was reportedly the inspiration for the Hussar character in Ridley Scott’s film The Duellists. Gros's richly colored oil technique bridged David's classical severity—in which he had been trained—with the Romantic colorism that Delacroix would develop in his wake, using warm, vibrant flesh tones and...

Gros captures the cavalryman’s spirited personality through animated expression and bold handling. The hussar’s elaborate uniform provides rich color and decorative detail that Gros renders with characteristic panache.