Jean-Baptiste Singry

Ernst Holzscheiter,
sa vente, Sotheby's, Londres, 28 Mars 1977, lot 84

Gravé:

par Langlumé

Genève, Musée Genève, Chefs-D'œuvre de la Miniature et de la Gouache, 1956, no. 406  

L. Schidlof, The Miniature in Europe, Graz, 1964, vol. II, p. 758;
H. Bouchot, 'Le Portrait-miniature en France', Gazette des Beaux-Arts, 1894, tome XI, pp. 311-326 

This miniature is well preserved. There is an artist join at the bottom of the image which has separated from the main body. The glass is extremely dirty inside and could be cleaned.
"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."

Antoine Michaut commença sa carrière d’artiste en 1781 et se spécialisa très rapidement dans les rôles de paysans ou valets. Il fut reçu à la Comédie française en 1799 et en parallèle de son travail d’acteur, on lui demanda d’organiser les réceptions privées de l’impératrice Joséphine à la Malmaison. Malgré sa proximité avec la Cour impériale et la chute de Napoléon de 1815, il continua à avoir du succès sous le règne de Louis XVIII. Lorsqu’il prit sa retraite en 1821, il était à la tête d’une confortable épargne. Une autre version de cette œuvre fut vendue chez Christie’s à Londres le 12 mai 1982 (lot 192).

Antonie Michaut began his acting career in 1781 and soon specialized in playing peasants and valets. In 1799 he was accepted into the Société de la Comédie Française and as well as continuing to act, he was placed in charge of organised Empress Josephine’s private entertainments at Malmasion. Despite his proximity to the Imperial Court, after the fall of Napoléon in 1815, he continued to achieve success under King Louis XVIII. When in 1821 he retired, he did so a wealthy man. Another version of this miniature was sold at Christie’s, London on the 12 May 1982, lot 192.

Jean Baptiste Singry, Portrait of Antoine Michaut of the Comédie Française, c.1815 ; Watercolour and bodycolour on ivory, gilt-wood and gesso frame