This fine early 19th-century oil painting by French artist Adrienne Grandpierre-Deverzy (1798-1869) depicts a gentleman wearing a white shirt with a black coat and cloak. He’s displaying the Légion d'Honneur medal.

Elegant, self-assured, and exceedingly well-coiffered, he’s quite at home in the artist’s studio. His identity is unknown but the Légion d'Honneur was reserved for civil or military services which had “contributed to the defence and prosperity” of France.

Born in Tissey, Bourgogne, Grandpierre-Deverzy emerged as an artist of merit at a time when women were forbidden from entering the prominent art schools. The Académie des Beaux-Arts and the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, had both closed their doors and the only option was to train in a willing tutor’s private studio.

Abel de Pujol (1785-1861) was one such tutor and provided lessons to female-only groups. These were designed to be ‘decent’ and avoid exposure to live models. Pujol, in turn, was a student of the eminent Jacques-Louis David.

Grandpierre-Deverzy was evidently enthralled by her time at Pujol’s and painted the bustling studio environment on numerous occasions. A piece titled 'The Studio Of Abel De Pujol' from 1822 is a particular treasure and depicts three students standing by the master as he critiques their work. 

The drawing in his hand appears to be of a classical bust. Over his right shoulder stands a woman looking directly at the viewer, which is conceivably the artist herself. Such was the glowing reception of this piece that it was accepted into the Paris Salon.

Following her debut, she continued to exhibit at the Salon and became noted for her accomplished history painting and portraits. She also produced lithographs after works by Pujol, remaining close to him throughout her career. In 1856, the pair married, 34 years after meeting.

She’s represented in numerous public collections including at the Château de Fontainebleau and the Museum of Fine Arts in Valenciennes.

Signed, dated and held in a later frame.

Learn more about Adrienne Grandpierre-Deverzy in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 25” x 29” / 63cm x 75cm
Year of creation: 1825
Provenance: Private collection, France.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame in excellent condition.
Our reference: BRV1950