Portrait of Baron Larrey

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: nn Before you stands the "Portrait of Baron Larrey," a striking work painted in 1804. The artist has captured the Baron in a moment of quiet contemplation. Seated in a simple wooden chair with a green fabric seat, he holds a document in his left hand, a pencil poised in his right, as if about to make a note or perhaps lost in thought about its contents. nn The Baron is dressed in a distinguished dark blue jacket adorned with subtle gold embroidery, a crisp white shirt with a high collar, and white trousers. His attire, along with his dark hair and neatly trimmed mustache, speak to the fashion and decorum of early 19th-century France. The artist's use of light and shadow, particularly the way the Baron's face is illuminated against the dark background, draws our attention to his expression. nn While we admire the artist's technical skill, the true power of this portrait lies in its subject. Dominique-Jean Larrey, often called the "father of modern military surgery," was a renowned surgeon in Napoleon's army. He revolutionized battlefield medicine by emphasizing rapid deployment of mobile surgical units close to the front lines, saving countless lives. This portrait, therefore, offers us not just a glimpse of a man but a window into a pivotal moment in medical history. nn Here at the Musée des Augustins, we are proud to house this remarkable piece, a testament to both artistic talent and the enduring legacy of a true medical pioneer.