Share

License image

Hubert Robert , French, 1733-1808

Title

The Apotheosis of Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Date1794

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

62 x 81 cm

SignedH. Robert, 1794

Credit LinePurchased, 1927

Object numberNGI.896

Exhibition HistoryCentenary Exhibition, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, October - December 1964

Von Poussin bis Monet. Die Farben Frankreichs, The Arp Museum Bahnhof Rolandseck, Remagen, 22 March - 6 September 2015; Bucerius Kunst Forum, Hamburg, 10 October 2015 - 17 January 2016

Label TextRobert was a prolific artist who specialised in fanciful landscapes. He painted many idyllic scenes known as capriccio: landscapes that include classical ruins. Robert greatly admired the ideas of the Enlightenment philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78). When Rousseau died, Robert designed his tomb on the Isle of Poplars, Ermenonville. In 1794, Rousseau’s remains were transferred to the Panthéon in Paris. Robert’s painting marks this ceremonial occasion. The informality of the scene and the inclusion of numerous children may be intended to reflect Rousseau’s principles regarding family, nature, and education.