Exhibition: Ingres and Fashion

This inclination likely stemmed from his training as a history painter in David's studio, which emphasized these technical exercises. Throughout his career, Ingres consistently chose to paint his models' clothing himself, in both his history paintings and portraits. He never delegated this task to his assistants, unlike furniture or decor, which were often handled by the studio. While the subject of portraiture in Ingres's work has already been brilliantly studied, the painter's specific relationship with fashion has never before been the focus of a dedicated exhibition. Through an exceptional selection of paintings, drawings, textiles, accessories, and period documents, the exhibition highlights the master's unique attention to the representation of fabrics, drapery, and clothing, revealing how fashion shaped his vision and artistic composition. The exhibition explores how Ingres elevates textiles, plays with transparencies, draws inspiration from the trends of his time, and engages with art history to imbue his portraits with a timeless modernity. It also reveals the influence of Ingres's painting on 20th and 21st-century fashion designers.