The Source (La Source)
Painting on canvas • Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
Style & Movement
Neoclassicism (with elements of Romanticism and Academicism)
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas using traditional academic techniques: sfumato for skin transitions, fine glazing to suggest the transparency of water, and precise under-drawing with smooth, enamel-like finish (fini).
Creation Period
1856 (begun in Florence c. 1820 and completed in Paris)
Dimensions & Format
163 cm × 80 cm (64 in × 31 in); vertical portrait format
Subject Description
An allegorical representation of a mountain spring. A standing nude nymph or water deity holds a ceramic pitcher upon her shoulder, pouring water that creates a reflective pool at her feet. She is positioned against a vertical rock face with sparse vegetation. The composition emphasizes idealized anatomical proportions and purity.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good/Excellent. The original oil painting is well-preserved within a museum environment, showing typical age-appropriate craquelure mostly visible in the flesh tones.
Estimated Market Value
$50,000,000 - $80,000,000 (estimation based on historical significance as a national treasure; effectively priceless as a non-circulating museum highlight)
Auction Estimate
$40,000,000 - $60,000,000+ (speculative, given it would be an 'Old Master' event of the century)
Provenance History
Acquired by the Comte Duchâtel in 1857 after its completion; bequeathed to the French State in 1878 by the Comtesse Duchâtel; formerly in the Louvre; currently held in the collection of the Musée d'Orsay, Paris.
Art Historical Significance
One of the most famous nudes in Western art history. It symbolizes the bridge between the rigorous Neoclassicism of David and the emerging Academic style. It took Ingres over 30 years to complete, representing his lifelong pursuit of the 'ideal form'.
Notable Features
The 'serpentine line' of the figure’s body; the hyper-realistic rendering of the flowing water; the juxtaposition of the soft, matte skin against the hard, dark rock background. Includes the artist's signature and date ('J. Ingres, 1856').
Condition Issues
Stable fine-line craquelure; minor surface yellowing of the protective varnish; some historical evidence of relining to stabilize the canvas support.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain strictly controlled humidity (50% RH) and temperature. Use UV-filtered localized lighting. Periodical surface cleaning by a certified specialist may be required to address varnish oxidization.