A portrait miniature of General Bailly de Mothion
Gouache on ivory portrait depicting the French general in uniform against a brown ground, wearing the collar and star of the Grand Ducal Hessian Order of Ludwig, the grand badge of the Imperial Legion of Honour, the star of the Order of St. Louis, the commandeur order of the Crown of Württemberg and the Order of Merit of the Bavarian Crown. Signed and dated on the lower right edge “Lizinka De Mirbel 1829”. With a rim chip to the glazing of the frame. 11.9 x 9.2 cm. In the original fire-gilt frame, inscribed on the reverse “Général Comte Bailly de Camp Maréchal de Camp 1776 – 1846”.
Aimé Zoé Lizinka de Mirbel, Paris 1829.
Count François Gédéon Bailly de Monthion (Saint Denis 1776 - Paris 1850) made a stellar career in the French army during the German campaign and the French Revolution, switching sides several times. He became an early supporter of Napoleon and supported him in his coup d'état. Due to his military merits, Napoleon appointed him as a division general and raised him to the rank of “Compte de l'Empire”. <BR>The successful miniaturist Lizinka de Mirbel née Rue (Cherbourg 1796 - Paris 1849) was one of the most appreciated artists of her time. She trained in the studio of Jean Baptiste Augustin and was appointed court painter by King Louis XVIII in 1819. Her exhibitions at the Paris Salon were repeatedly awarded gold and silver medals.
Literature
For more about this artist see Schidlof, The Miniature in Europe, Graz 1964, p. 562 f.