Alexandre-Denis Abel de Pujol, known as Abel de Pujol, was a French neoclassical painter. Prix de Rome in 1811
Abel de Pujol won all the awards and dignities that artists can enjoy. He replaced Baron Gros at the Institut and played an important role in the creation of the Musée de Versailles. He was entrusted with the decoration of the Egyptian Antiquities room in the Louvre, and part of it was exhibited at the 1827 Salon.
SELF-PORTRAIT (DETAIL) – 1906 – MUSEE DE VALENCIENNES
In 1806, the young Alexandre Abel had been attending Jacques Louis DAVID’s prestigious studio for two years, but he was going through a period of self-doubt, aggravated by serious financial difficulties. He took refuge in Valenciennes and considered joining the army, but his natural father, Baron Pujol de Mortry, was firmly opposed. Back in Paris, Abel’s hard work and determination persuaded DAVID to take him into his studio free of charge to continue his training.
The powerful, austere self-portrait he painted in 1806 bears witness to these troubled times. Destitution and sadness shine through the young man’s haggard features.
All the expressive power of this almost pre-romantic portrait is concentrated in the feverish intensity of the gaze.
