This show is an absolute treat. I was unfamiliar with Liotard before seeing this show. His life filled the span of the 18th century. He was a jobbing artist, a traveller, an engraver and a portraitist. But he became an absolute master of pastels. These were chalk-based dry pastels which he must have sharpened to the most delicate point to use like a fine colour crayon to create the detail. He created the pastel portrait of The Lavergne Family Breakfast in 1754 and sold it to his patron, William Ponsonby, Viscount Duncanon for 200 guineas. He didn’t see the painting for 20 years when he was invited to stay at the Duncanon home. He decided to make a very exact replica in oil paint. It is like seeing double but you can, of course spot the difference.

Above, you can see the two paintings side by side. The oil painting is on the left. The colour of the oil paint has faded a little and the blue on the Japanese tea cup is now brown rather than blue, as seen in the original pastel version. There’s a more smoky, soft and delicate feel to the pastel version.

Above, you can see the difference in the close up. Both are so beautifully painted/drawn. But what’s so striking is the attention to detail and the absolute reproduction of the original but in a different medium.

Above are self-portraits by Liotard. When he first appeared on the London social scene he wore a knee-long beard and flounced around in red robes. He must have cut an exotic dash in the salons and drawing rooms of aristocratic homes. And he became hugely successful with commissions coming in from hundreds of wealthy families who shelled out large amounts of money to be depicted in pastel and then in oils.

Using the pastels, Liotard managed to create a wonderfully soft surface and luscious fabrics which really flatter the sitter. He was also really good at capturing character.

It’s great to have the chance to see this less well-known artist and relish his talents with a rarely seen medium. It’s on show in the Sunley Room at the National Gallery until 3rd March 2024.

Now, where’s my pastel box!