Étienne-Barthélemy Garnier, 1765-1849

Author of the monumental Consternation of Priam, but all too often considered only as a pupil of David, Étienne-Barthélemy Garnier (1759-1849) was able, in a politically and artistically complex period, to carve out a path that took him from the Prix de l'Académie royale to the picture rails of the Salon, from official decorations to the highest offices of the Institut, of which he became dean, without ceasing to please a private clientele.

Garnier's work bears witness to his desire to give priority to the legibility of his compositions over the lyricism or emphasis of some of his colleagues, and to the precocity and originality of certain subjects.

This monograph traces the life and work of an artist who, in the first half of the nineteenth century, perpetuated the precepts of his masters (Durameau, Doyen and Vien). The book includes a detailed catalogue of paintings, drawings and prints - autographed or rejected - and tapestries.