JACQUES-ANTOINE BARROIS

(1766-1811?)

Portrait of young man sitting at a table.

1811

Signed and dated "Barrois / Port Louis 1811"

Watercolor and gouache, round 8,5 cm

Gold metal frame, 10 cm

Autograph label on the back

A very important colonial portrait of a young man sitting at a table. Signed, dated and located on the right: "Barrois / Port Louis 1811".

A work of exceptional importance not only for the quality and structure of the composition, but above all for its historical interest.

The Galerie LES PORTRAITS EN MINIATURE is pleased to present this object which completes the biography of Jacques-Antoine Barrois (1766 Reims-1811?).

In fact, in the main publications on this subject, the last date mentioned is 1795, after which all trace of the artist is lost. Today we can say with certainty that he lived and worked at least until 1811, considerably extending the length of his artistic life.

A no less important detail is highlighted both in the signature and in the autograph label on the back of the frame which locates the place of production of the miniature: in Port-Louis, the capital of Mauritius.

We do not know why the artist decided to undertake this long journey to Port Louis, the city which from 1715 was dominated by the French and conquered by the British in December 1810.

The physiognomy of the young man depicted could make one think of an Englishman, which is very plausible.

Jacques-Antoine Barrois (1766 Reims - after 1811) studied from 1781 at the Paris Academy under Deshayes. He was a very precocious artist, indeed his first known miniature portrait is dated 1781, executed at the age of 15. Barrois exhibited his miniatures at the Salon, from 1791. He continued to participate in Salon exhibitions until 1795. Today we know of his adventures in exotic countries until 1811.

Condition: Excellent state of conservation, a small damp spot in the background has been professionally restored.

Price: 5700€

PROVENANCE:

Private collection, London

Private collection, Milan

MUSEUMS:

M.A.D. Paris, M.A.D. Bordeaux, MET, Coll Duval.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

DuPasquier; Schidloff, Foster; Blattel; Sanchez, Bouchard.