Lot Details & Additional Photographs
Circa 1790, watercolor on ivory, signed to lower right in Cyrillic "V. Borovikovsky", the sitter with hair worn in queue attired in white cravat and an umber jacket, set against a stormy landscape, presented in an ebonized frame.
Miniature 2 1/2 x 2 in.; frame 5 1/4 x 4 1/2 in.
From a Private Collection, Washington, D.C. Purchased from Gould Antiques, Portobello, London February, 10, 2001.
The signature points to the celebrated painter Vladimir Borovikovsky (Russian,1757-1825), known for his portraits and miniatures of Russian elites, miniatures, and icons. However, the handling of this portrait is much looser than other works by Borovikovsky, who is well known for his precise and distinct clarity of form. This work appears closer in handling to the school of Augustin Ritt (Russian, 1765-1799), particularly with the sfumato inspired landscape setting.
The accompanying text on the back indicates the sitter is Charles-Joseph, the 7th Prince of Ligne (1735-1814).
Some rubbing along the edge of the miniature; overall good condition.
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