JEAN-BAPTISTE JACQUES AUGUSTIN (1759-1832)

Portrait miniature of a Gentleman, traditionally called Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, wearing brown jacket with white shirt and stock, blue cape with red border, his hair powdered

1780
Watercolour on ivory (licence S4ZMG3UH)
Signed and dated 'augustin 1795' (lower left)
Oval, 67 mm (2 5/8 in) high
Gilt-metal mount with 'S' link border and easel reverse
 

£6,500

This portrait miniature is one of a small group of miniatures, thought to depict the same gentleman, attributed to Augustin and his school. In fact, it may be suggested that this is the original of those miniatures after which the other versions were taken. One of these, previously believed to be the original and attributed to Augustin himself, can be found in the Munich Residence Museum; it is set into the lid of a box. Another version can be found in the Tansey Miniatures Collection and is given to the school of Augustin. There are at least four further versions, identified by Bernd Pappe.[1]

Whereas most of the copies of this miniature are in a circular format, the present work is oval, setting it apart. It is possible that this version was the one commissioned by the sitter, and that the others were reproduced specifically to encourage practice within Augustin’s studio. There has been some debate over the identity of the sitter, who has traditionally been identified as Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord. He began his career as a member of the French Clergy under Louis XVI (he was ordained in 1799), and famously switched sides during and after the French Revolution according to who had power at the time. As a result, he became known as the ‘Bishop of the Revolution’. Before being excommunicated in 1791, he left France and returned as a foreign minister in 1797, under the Directory. He resigned from this role soon after and returned to power in France as a close ally of Napoleon. After all this, he returned to King Louis XVIII’s council, as president, following the Restoration in France.

It is not surprising that such a figure, who moved across the world and across alliances so frequently, would have wanted a small, portable portrait to remind others of his appearance. However, there is no certain evidence that this is a portrait of Talleyrand. Though some of the features in this portrait and other known portraits of Talleyrand do exist (his hair, for example), these are not close enough to confidently identify the sitter. 

Beginning his career slightly later than Talleyrand, Augustin had similarly dynamic loyalties. He became a painter for Napoleon, and later for Louis XVIII. He worked for Napoleon alongside Isabey, also known for his portraits of the emperor. Apart from his titles, Augustin was responsible for educating many young artists in miniature painting. Many of his students became recognised painters themselves. His skill for teaching is evident in the quality of the numerous copies of the present work.


[1]  These are ‘copies by Villair (Christie's Geneva, November 9, 1976, no. 128), Verquelle (dated 1819, Christie's London October 14, 1998, no. 224), Ponsin (dated 1839, Sotheby's London, April 11, 1996, no. 147), and by anonymous miniaturists (Buchheit 1928, plate 19, no. 155).’ (taken from the cataloguing for Tansey Miniature Collection Inventory Number 10012, footnote 1, accessed online at https://tansey-miniatures.com/en/collection/10012)
Possibly the collection of Mary Ethel Burns; 
Private collection.

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Portrait miniature of a Gentleman, traditionally called Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, wearing brown jacket with white shirt and stock, blue cape with red border, his hair powdered

JEAN-BAPTISTE JAQUES AUGUSTIN

(1759-1832)

Portrait miniature of a Gentleman, traditionally called Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, wearing brown jacket with white shirt and stock, blue cape with red border, his hair powdered

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The item added to cart contains materials from endangered or protected species. The Limner Company cannot arrange for the delivery of artworks containing ivory, tortoiseshell, or mother of pearl outside of the UK due to import restrictions. The buyer or designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale.

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shipping TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Worldwide shipping is included in all prices.

The Limner Company does not accept any responsibility for import duty, this is to be paid by the buyer.

See Section 7.5 in Terms & Conditions for information on export/import regulations. Please contact us to discuss shipping options. Some stock items contain materials from endangered species which are governed by CITES regulations and will require a permit to export outside of Great Britain. If a certificate of export is required then this will be the responsibility of and paid for by the buyer.

See Section 7.5 in Terms & Conditions for information on export/import regulations.

Please contact us to discuss shipping options.

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