Jean Antoine Laurent

This lot contains ivory. Commercial trade in ivory is regulated by multiple governments and international organisations around the world, including through prohibitions, restrictions and licensing and / or registration requirements. Different regulations apply to buyers, depending on their individual circumstances and the relevant auction / sale. Sotheby's therefore recommends that, before taking any action in relation to a potential purchase or handling of an ivory item, buyers obtain advice on the regimes and requirements applicable to them. Sotheby's will also not conduct any applications for buyers for exemption certificates, CITES licenses, registrations or similar that may be required, including the renewal or update of the same, or arrange for import or export permits needed for international shipping. A buyer's inability or delay to obtain necessary documentation, or lawfully arrange the export or import of the lot will not justify sale cancellation or a delay in payment.

Paris, Bibliotheque Nationale, Oeuvres d'art du XVIIIe siècle, 1906, no. 43;
London, Garrard, An exhibition of important 18^th century and early 19^th century miniatures and enamels at Garrard, 1961, no. 125;
London, Royal Academy, France in the eighteenth century, 1968, no. 950 

H. Bouchot, La miniature francaise 1750-1825, Paris 1907, p. 190 (as a Portrait of the artist's brother);
H. Bouchot, La miniature francaise 1750-1825, 1910, p. 249 (as a Portrait of the artist's brother);
L. Gillet, C. Jeannerat, H. Clouzot, Miniatures and Enamels from the D. David-Weill Collection, Paris 1957, p. 210, no. 125;
L.R. Schidlof, La miniature en Europe, Graz 1964, vol. I, p. 471 (as a Portrait of the artist's brother 'excellent');
M. Friesen, Französische Miniaturen 1770-1880, Darmstadt 2001, p. 415, no. 212 

This portrait is an early example of the romantic writer, seen working alone in his garret.