This charming early 19th-century French oil painting depicts Barthelemy Simon Louis de Medaille wearing a dark brown coat, yellow waistcoat, and white stock.
Painted in 1807, this gentleman lived through a time of colossal change. Just three years earlier, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself as emperor and launched additional military campaigns for expansion. The Revolution of 1789 had transformed France immeasurably and its grizzly crescendo was still reverberating through Europe.
As a result, the perception of wealth had altered radically and a gentleman’s outfit was now highly politicised. Gone were the days of frilly ostentation - replaced by well-tailored suits and natural hairstyles. Ruffles, lace and tall wigs were a symbol of the past. With dark practical coats an essential addition.
Little is known about the sitter, Barthelemy Simon Louis de Medaille, aside from a handful of ancestry records relating to the ‘de Medaille’ family. His specific papers appear to be lacking from the archives. On the reverse of the portrait, an inscription refers to the artist, but it’s tricky to decipher. It’s possibly ‘Beadotto’ or similar.
Held in a contemporary frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 21½” x 25” / 55cm x 64cm
Year of creation: 1807
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on the reverse. “Beadotto Pinxit (a Latin term referring to who painted it) 1807. Barthelemy Simon Louis de Medaille”.
Provenance: Private collection, France.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Cleaned. Revarnished. Settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Historic repairs. Stretcher marks.
Our reference: BRV1112
