Vernet, Horace – Frère Philippe copiant le portrait du marquis de Fontanes, Grand-Maître de l’Université, dans la salle 103 du musée de Versailles Château de Versailles

The composition presents a scene within what appears to be a grand hall or gallery, dominated by large-scale paintings adorning the walls. A young man is positioned in the foreground, diligently copying a portrait displayed on an easel before him. He sits upon a simple wooden stool, his posture suggesting intense concentration as he meticulously transfers the image onto paper with charcoal.
Standing behind the young copyist is a gentleman of considerable stature and apparent authority. Dressed in elaborate robes and adorned with a sash, he observes the copying process with what seems to be a mixture of paternal approval and measured scrutiny. He holds a partially obscured portrait, likely the original being replicated, further emphasizing his role as a figure of importance and perhaps patronage.
The wall paintings themselves are significant elements within this arrangement. To the left, one depicts a maritime scene – a ship at anchor in a harbor, with figures engaged in activity on the shore. The composition is dynamic, suggesting movement and narrative. Adjacent to it, another painting portrays what seems to be a military engagement or historical event, populated by numerous figures amidst a dramatic landscape. A third, centrally placed work, displays a group portrait of individuals in formal attire, hinting at an aristocratic or academic setting.
The floor is partially covered with discarded items – a hat, brushes, and canvases – suggesting the ongoing nature of artistic endeavor and perhaps a degree of creative disarray. The overall impression conveyed is one of tradition, education, and the transmission of knowledge through artistic practice. The scene subtly explores themes of imitation, mentorship, and the role of art in preserving memory and status within a hierarchical society. The interplay between the active copying process and the monumental works on display suggests a dialogue between past masters and present learners, reinforcing the enduring value placed upon artistic skill and historical representation.