The subject of this portrait by Louis Dupré is Louis-François-Sébastien Fauvel, a French official who served as a host and guide to upper-class European visitors to Athens, Greece, from 1780 to 1822.  Monsieur Fauvel is depicted at his home in Athens, surrounded by artwork he has collected and the beautiful and ancient Athenian architecture.  He is being served by a maid.  At the time this artwork was painted, it was very respectable for a gentleman to go to Greece and learn about the art and architecture.  By surrounding Monsieur Fauvel with famous art and scenery, the artist is communicating Monsieur Fauvel's status as an intelligent and cultured man.

Some questions to ask yourself:

• If Louis Dupre had painted your portrait, what kinds of things would he have surrounded you with?  Where would he have painted you?
• What do you think is the most important thing in this painting?  What object or objects stand out the most?
• Do you think Monsieur Fauvel really looked like he does in this portrait?  What kind of personality do you think Monsieur Fauvel would have based on how he looks here?

Second Artwork