Circle of Jean-Marc Nattier Paris 1685 - 1766

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

Jean-Marc Nattier
Portrait of the Duc de Richelieu (March 13, 1696 - August 8, 1788), Maréchal de France, full-length
frame inscribed and signed Infroit
oil on canvas

Provenance

Given to Mr. de Montillet, 1784 (from a label on the frame);
Paul Bertholle collects ion, Paris.

Exhibited

Paris, Exposition Retrospective des Colonies Françaises de l'Amerique du Nord, april-juin 1929, no. 30 p. 58, reproduced p. 61.

Literature

Pierre d' Hérouville, Exposition Rétrospective Française des Colonies d'Amérique du Nord, Paris, 1929, p. 58 no. 30, illustration no. 61;
Louis Réau, "Carle van Loo, Jean Restout, les lithographies de paysages en France à l'époque romantique", in Archives de l'art français, t.mes XIX, Paris, 1938, no. 138;
N. Jeffares, Dictionnary of the pastellists before 1800, London 2006, p. 534;
M.H. Trope, Jean Valade: peintre ordinaire du roi, 1710-1787, catalogue of an exhibtion, Poitiers 1993, cited in the notice 112.

Catalogue Note

Godson of Louis XIV (1638-1715) and grandnephew of the influential Cardinal de Richelieu (1585-1642), Louis-François-Armand de Vignerot du Plessis, Duc de Richelieu, was appointed Maréchal de France, a high military distinction for exceptional generals, in 1748. Infamous for his debauched life, he nevertheless established himself as a brave and respected man of war, as he is shown in the present painting.

This portrait is in the typical style of 18^th century military portraits. Standing three-quarter length, the Duc de Richelieu is represented wearing armor and holding a sword in his left hand. A blue sash across his chest, emblazoned with the symbol of the Order of the Holy Spirit is a reminder that he received the highest French honor in 1729. The background evokes the British fortress of Port-Mahon which Richelieu captured in 1756. Though the Maréchal de France was indeed successful in many important military episodes, this specific event, a major battle of the Seven Years War, undoubtedly remains his most brilliant victory. It was therefore an obvious choice for the artist to portray Richelieu with a background reminding us of this specific fortress; it is symbolic of his military prowess and political importance.

Beyond the military aspect, there is a certain sense of compassion and clemency that emanates from this portrait. Eternally enamored with women - he married his fourth wife at 84 years of age - his numerous escapades and repeating duels led him to be jailed in La Bastille. Luckily, he escaped fourteen months later, thanks to the help of his faithful and influential friend Madame de Maintenon (1635-1719). His acquaintance with the royal circle, along with his notable friendship with the French philosopher and writer Voltaire, made him one of the most prominent and alluring characters of the Age of Enlightenment.

According to the plaque at the top of the frame, the present portrait was given to Louis-Honoré de Montillet in 1784. Louis-Honoré, the Marquis de Montillet, was born in 1733 and is part of the Montillet family who in the 18^th century built the castle of Champdor in the region of Bugey in Eastern France. He retired after an accomplished military career and as a test.mes nt to his great courage he was made Chevalier de l'Ordre de Saint-Louis in 1693, one of the highest military distinctions created by Louis XIV.

The present portrait is very similar to an oil painting described as simply French School, 18th Century, in the Musée de l'Armée, Invalides, Paris. There is also a pastel portrait of the Maréchal de Richelieu by Jean Valade (1710-1787) (oval, 33 1/2 by 25 5/8 in.), present location unknown (For illustration see Trope Literature).