Portrait of an Aristocrat in Uniform

Assumed to depict a major in the fourth battalion of the Chasseurs des Cevennes, this is one of Ducreux’s more formal portraits. While it lacks the jaunty attitude of his self-portaits, Ducreux always provides a peek into the character of the sitter — in this case, a hint of arrogance or disdain. Or perhaps this aristocrat is simply trying to ignore a bad smell.