Joseph, Baron Ducreux (26 June 1735 – 24 July 1802)

I dub Ducreaux, the “father of the meme”

Joseph, Baron Ducreux, a talented French noble, showcased his artistic prowess as a portrait painter, pastelist, miniaturist, and engraver. With a touch of humor, he became renowned for his self-portrait paintings that captured the essence of his subjects while adding a whimsical twist. Serving as a court portraitist during the reign of Louis XVI of France, Ducreux’s career experienced a temporary setback during the tumultuous French Revolution. However, undeterred by the chaos, he resumed his artistic pursuits and continued to charm audiences with his focused and accurate depictions, infused with a delightful sense of humor.

Ducreux was heavily influenced by the teachings of La Tour (which centered around the French Rococo style) and portraitist Jean-Baptists Greuze (who was known for his sensibilité works – paintings crafted to invoke emotion from the viewer).

It took a few tries to get the proper character in the prompt when requesting Ducreux, but this is what I finally found to work 90% of the time…

• digital oil painting of ( subject ) in a comedic French Rococo style painting by Joseph Ducreux, a sensibilité work –ar 2:3

> Hall of US Presidents – as presented in Ducreux style!

digital oil painting of US President Joe Biden in a comedic French Rococo style painting by Joseph Ducreux, a sensibilité work –ar 2:3

digital oil painting of US President Donald Trump in a comedic French Rococo style painting by Joseph Ducreux, a sensibilité work –ar 2:3

digital oil painting of US President Barrack Obama in a comedic French Rococo style painting by Joseph Ducreux, a sensibilité work –ar 2:3

digital oil painting of US President George Bush in a comedic French Rococo style painting by Joseph Ducreux, a sensibilité work –ar 2:3

digital oil painting of US President Bill Clinton in a comedic French Rococo style painting by Joseph Ducreux, a sensibilité work –ar 2:3

digital oil painting of US President Ronald Reagan in a comedic French Rococo style painting by Joseph Ducreux, a sensibilité work –ar 2:3

This is lighthearted silliness, and made me smile. I hope it does the same for you!

A.I. Explore with Brian Sykes