This charming pair of late 18th-century French oil paintings depict a smartly attired husband and wife. Produced around 1795, during a time of exceeding tumult, they’re remarkable survivors.
The French Revolution, a monumental time of new ideologies, violence, and change, spanned a period from 1789 to the late 1790s. The monarchy was overthrown, the Republic was established, and both King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were publicly executed. ‘Liberty, equality and fraternity’ replaced ‘absolutism, intention, and authority’.
Our pair witnessed it first hand, on the losing side - they were aristocrats, probably forced to hurriedly flee from the burning capital. Although not in full uniform, on the gentleman’s left arm, he wears a white silk armband, which is likely to be a reference to the Army of Condé. This ‘émigré’ army was counter-revolutionary and fought to overthrow the Republic, thus restoring the monarchy. They were assisted by royalist armies within France and also overseas allies, such as Great Britain. It’s interesting to consider the gentleman’s rather blasé expression in the midst of such drama.
The lady wears an early example of a neoclassical empire dress with a high waistband, designed to revive styles observed in Greco-Roman art.
Both are housed in later gilt frames.
Medium: Oil on paper laid on board
Overall size: 14½” x 17½” / 37cm x 44cm
Year of creation: c. 1795
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Cleaned. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Minor abrasions. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.
Our reference: BRV1929
