Portrait of Madame Récamier

Juliette Récamier, the wife of a Parisian banker, was one of the most famous socialites of her time. David started the portrait of Madame Récamier in 1800 and never finished it. When David learned that the lady had also commissioned his pupil Gérard to paint her, he is said to have refused any further service. However, this portrait caused a contemporary piece of furniture to adopt her moniker. What's more interesting, David's unfinished work has become most influential for future artists - for example for René Magritte.