Olivier Journu (1724–1783)

Flickering strokes in this man's clothing and the vivacity of his piercing eyes show how Perronneau used pastel to become one of the most famous portraitists in eighteenth-century Europe. He had stiff competition, however, particularly in Paris and royal circles, that led him to pursue clients largely outside the capital. In 1756 he visited the port city of Bordeaux to paint members of the Journu family of shipping magnates. Their wealth, derived from the sugar and slave trades, seems far removed from the rosy palette and soft textures of the portraits. This dashing image was greatly appreciated by the leading dandies of the nineteenth century, including Robert de Montesquiou.