Michel-Jean Sedaine

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Michel-Jean Sedaine, a celebrated poet and dramatist born in 1719, forged a close bond with Pajou. In recognition of their friendship, Pajou crafted an exquisite bust of Madame Sedaine, which is now proudly displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. At the time this masterpiece was created, Pajou's reputation as a renowned sculptor in Paris had already been solidified, while Sedaine, then 56 years old, stood out as a distinguished and highly respected librettist for opera. The camaraderie between these two artistic giants is well-documented. This bust has remained within the Sedaine family for generations, serving as a testament to Pajou's remarkable talent for capturing character and his sensitive yet assured portrait style. As a dramatist, Sedaine was most notable for penning librettos that brought comic operas to life. In this striking portrait, he is depicted wearing a banyan, a loose-fitting gown typically worn by men at home among family and friends. This informal attire was often featured in depictions of writers, musicians, and artists.