Maximilien de Robespierre Pierre Roch Vigneron (1789-1872)

The portrait presents a man in formal attire against a muted, grey-green backdrop. He is positioned slightly off-center, gazing directly at the viewer with an expression that appears both earnest and guarded. The lighting emphasizes his face, highlighting pale skin and intense eyes. A meticulously styled wig frames his head, its silvery hue contrasting with the dark fabric of his coat.
The man’s clothing suggests a position of authority or at least respectability. The black coat, fastened with decorative buttons, is paired with a crisp white shirt and ruffled cravat, indicative of the fashion prevalent during the late eighteenth century. His left hand rests within the folds of his coat, while the right hand holds what appears to be a ring, adding a subtle detail suggesting personal wealth or status.
The subdued color palette contributes to an atmosphere of solemnity and restraint. The grey-green background lacks any discernible details, directing all attention towards the subject. This lack of environmental context isolates him, creating a sense of introspection or perhaps even detachment.
There is a deliberate quality to his gaze; it’s not entirely welcoming but rather conveys a certain intellectual intensity. It suggests someone accustomed to scrutiny and deliberation. The overall impression is one of controlled emotion and quiet determination. While the pose might be interpreted as conventional for portraiture, the directness of the gaze and the lack of overt displays of power or grandeur hint at an underlying complexity. The artist seems to have aimed not just for a likeness but also for a portrayal of character – a man who is both presentable and enigmatic.