Louis René Letronne

The sheet has been laid down on card. A strip has been added to the top and bottom edges of the sheet to enlarge it. There is a small tear halfway down the left edge and a tear along the lower edge. There is some light dirt, some wear to the edges and surface scratches in places. Held under glass in a moulded gold painted frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The offered lot is the original design by Letronne for the engraving by Vincenz Kininger (1767-1851), published in Vienna in 1815. Lieutenant General Alexander Chernyshev (1786-1857) was principal advisor to Alexander I at the Congress of Vienna which redrew the map of Europe after Napoleon's defeat. Letronne was a French painter and portraitist living in Vienna between approximately 1805 and 1817. During the Congress he made portraits of the numerous monarchs and statesmen, who had come to the imperial city to take part in this event.

Chernyshev served with distinction in the Battle of Austerlitz and the campaigns of 1812.  He had acted as the permanent private envoy of Alexander I to Napoleon and as military attaché in Paris between 1810-1811, where he mounted a number of successful intelligence operations.  Under Nicholas I, Chernyshev joined the close circle of the tsar's most trusted officers; in 1826 he was granted the title of Count and acted as Minister of War between 1832-1852.