Jean Duplessis-Bertaux

Jean Duplessis-Bertaux (1747–1819) was a talented and prolific French artist, known for his work as a painter, draftsman, and printmaker. His varied signature styles, including Duplessi-Bertaux and JD Bertaux, sometimes led to confusion with the name of his frequent collaborator, the engraver Pierre-Gabriel Berthault. This mix-up was likely a cataloging error, as prints from this period typically credited both the artist and engraver. An active participant in the French Revolution, Duplessis-Bertaux channeled his firsthand experiences into his artwork, particularly in his well-known series Scènes de la Révolution, which vividly captures the events of that turbulent era. He also depicted vibrant street life in Cris de Paris (Street Cries of Paris), which showcases Parisian street vendors and scenes. His series Campagnes de Napoléon, inspired by paintings by Carle Vernet, illustrates Napoleon’s Italian campaigns with a keen sense for historical drama. Duplessis-Bertaux often worked alongside other artists, such as Jean-Louis Delignon, who sometimes finished pieces that Duplessis-Bertaux left incomplete. His body of work includes several risqué or pornographic prints, many unsigned and only later attributed to him, reflecting the varied and sometimes daring artistic interests of his time. Through his art, Duplessis-Bertaux offered a dynamic view of both monumental historical moments and everyday scenes, securing his legacy in late 18th and early 19th-century French art.