The portraits

A portrait is by definition “the representation of a real person, especially the face” (Petit Robert, 2015).
Thus, portrait painters create their work on commission for public and private individuals or may be inspired by admiration or affection for the subject.
In the past, portrait paintings were reserved for an elite. Wealthy aristocrats commissioned artists to depict the characteristics of their models. Over the centuries, this pictorial genre evolved and was democratized to a less wealthy clientele.

The museum has nineteen portraits in its collection. Influenced by impressionist, realist and abstract paintings, this series dates from the second half of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century.
Engravings, paintings, pastels, sanguines and charcoals reveal the diversity and richness of the artistic techniques of the time.
You will be able to find in the collection classical portraits, representing local personalities, such as the most famous one, Doctor Berenguier.
This series of portraits supports the talent of these famous artists who came to stay regularly in Bormes and its surroundings.