Jehan Georges Vibert
1840-1902
A Cardinal in Profile
1888
4 7/8 x 3 3/8 inches
Watercolor on paper.
2004.13
Gift of John M. Thayer.
Notes
An anecdotal history painter and a founder of the Société des Aquarellistes, Vibert is best known for his mildly satiric paintings of clerics enjoying their leisure time, a genre that was hugely popular among American collectors. The distinctive red used for the cardinals' garments was even referred to as “Vibert red.” He was also a technical innovator and published a tome devoted to “The Science of Painting” in 1892.
This head of a cardinal in the Roman Catholic church evokes one of Vibert's favorite themes: scenes of bibliophilic cardinals encountering precious tomes. In his 1902 magnum opus Comédie en peinture, Vibert devoted a chapter to "books and art works." Here, the cardinal sits, eyes closed, as depicted in exacting detail by the artist.
This head of a cardinal in the Roman Catholic church evokes one of Vibert's favorite themes: scenes of bibliophilic cardinals encountering precious tomes. In his 1902 magnum opus Comédie en peinture, Vibert devoted a chapter to "books and art works." Here, the cardinal sits, eyes closed, as depicted in exacting detail by the artist.
Inscriptions/Markings
Signed "J. G. Vibert" and dated "1880".
Associated names
Thayer, John M. (John MacLane), 1944-2004, former owner.
Artist
Classification
Century Drawings
School
Catalog link
Department