This charming mid-18th-century half-length portrait depicts the esteemed fan-maker, Francis Chassereau Senior (1698-1788). It’s probably after an earlier original, produced circa 1727, and previously hung at the Bridehead Country Estate in Dorset.
Born in Niort, Deux-Sevres, France, Francis Chassereau Senior was of Huguenot descent and arrived in England, apparently hidden in a barrel onboard a ship, in 1712. His uncle, the fan-maker Jacob Chassereau (1665-1726), provided tuition. Francis became the proprietor of the ‘Crown & Fann’ in Hanover Street and developed a reputation of the highest order under King George I. The Fan Museum and the V&A hold examples of his work, and The British Museum holds an etching of his trade card.
In 1721, at just 23, Chassereau joined the ‘Worshipful Company of Fan Makers’ and it appears he remained in London throughout his life. The original portraits were probably commissioned in 1727 following his marriage to Anne Johannot (1697-1780) and, by repute, they were produced by British painter, Enoch Seeman (c.1689-1745).
Francis Chassereau’s daughter, Jane Chassereau (1738-1841), married Robert Williams Esq, MP (1735-1814) of Moor Park, Hertfordshire, in 1764, which is conceivably when this version of her father’s portrait was commissioned. During the 18th century, there was an expectation that anyone of class would display their lineage within their country homes.
Jane Williams remained at Moor Park until 1826, when she moved to Castle Hill, Cornwall, and finally on to Bridehead, an impressive manor house in West Dorset. The portrait was acquired via a sale of Bridehead’s contents and thus, the provenance is complete.
For further reading, we’ve published Jane Williams’ obituary in our blog.
Held in an 18th-century gilt frame, which is probably original.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 32” x 37” / 81cm x 94cm
Year of creation: c. 1765
Labels & Inscriptions: Titled on the frame.
Provenance: With Jane Williams (nee Chassereau) / With the Williams family by descent at Bridehead Country Estate, Dorset.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. One faint stretcher mark. One patched repair. Fine craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.
Our reference: BRV2182
