The Staatliche Kunsthalle in Karlsruhe, Germany, has recently expanded its collection of ancient paintings with the acquisition of a significant neoclassical portrait by French artist Louis-André-Gabriel Bouchet. The museum purchased the work from the Parisian gallery Eric Coatelem, marking an important addition to their historical art holdings.
The newly acquired painting depicts the renowned French painter Eugène Isabey as a child, creating an intriguing artistic connection within the museum's collection. The German institution already houses two later marine paintings by Isabey - one watercolor and one oil painting - representing the genre in which he particularly excelled throughout his career. This artistic excellence was recently demonstrated again when the Musée de la Marine acquired a monumental canvas by Isabey, as reported in early 2025.
The portrait, titled "Portrait of Eugène Isabey, full-length with a saber," was originally exhibited at the prestigious Salon of 1810. Created by Louis-André-Gabriel Bouchet (1759-1842), the oil on canvas masterpiece measures 149.7 x 97.2 centimeters and showcases the neoclassical style that was prominent during the early 19th century. The work presents the future marine painter as a young child in a formal full-length pose, holding a saber - a detail that adds both historical context and artistic sophistication to the composition.
This acquisition represents more than just an addition to the museum's collection; it establishes a meaningful artistic dialogue between different periods of one artist's life and career. The presence of both Bouchet's childhood portrait of Isabey and the artist's mature marine works allows visitors to trace the development of one of France's most celebrated marine painters from his early years to his professional achievements.
