Chevalier de Saint-Georges

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Chevalier de Saint-Georges (Joseph Bologne, shown here in 1787 around age 41), was considered one of the most accomplished men in Europe during his lifetime. His list of achievements include classical composer, virtuoso violinist, symphony conductor in Paris, champion fencer, and military leader. He was the son of a house slave, Nanon, and her wealthy enslaver George Bologne de Saint-Georges. Nanon was a renowned beauty, and George seemed to have genuine affection for both mother and child. George funded the young Joseph’s extensive education, which set the stage for his accomplishments later in life.

Joseph (Saint-Georges) was brilliant, handsome, and charming. He soon dazzled Parisian society. Even Mozart was said to be jealous of him. Marie Antoinette attended his operas on several occasions. However, with all of his skills and charms, Saint-Georges still faced racism in pre-revolutionary France. He was constantly and continually denied the privileges of white men, including becoming the next director of the Paris opera - a post which was denied to him when a few of the opera’s leading ladies complained. When the revolution proclaimed the equality of all men in 1789, Saint-Georges joined the cause. The latter half of his life was devoted to military pursuits until his death in 1799. There is a lot more to his military career as well, but too much to put here. It is rare in history to find a man with such a broad range of talents, and I had a great time creating his modern portrait.

Left Portrait base: Public Domain of the United States, original by Mather Brown. Right Portrait base: iStock Photo. Created using Photoshop.

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