Jean-Etienne Liotard’s
Portrait of Philibert Cramer a masterpiece of the Enlightenment
From London to Constantinople, Liotard was the portraitist of choice for princes, popes and kings. Still owned by the descendants of the sitter, this depiction of Voltaire’s publisher is a sublime example of why his skills were in such great demand
Jean-Etienne Liotard (1702-1789) is occasionally referred to as a ‘journeyman’ artist. However, it would be entirely wrong to imagine him on the move from place to place soliciting commissions. During the 18th century, his services as a portraitist were in constant demand from royals, aristocrats and other elite clients across Europe.