Portrait of Dr Joseph Hippolyte Riembault

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

A splendid 19th-century portrait of Dr Joseph Hippolyte Riembault sitting before a landscape and holding a dark red book in his left hand.

Dr Hippolyte Riembault was awarded the Legion Of Honour, which is the highest civilian (and military) order of merit in France. It was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and often employed as a tool to ensure political loyalty.

It’s unclear why Joseph was given the award, but it’s potentially related to his work within medicine. Through our research, we’ve discovered that in 1835 he published a “Dissertation sur l'ictère ou jaunisse”, so perhaps this contributed towards his accolade. It’s also interesting to note that his right hand is held within his coat, as this could be a nod of respect to the former French Emperor.

The portrait is housed within its original gilded frame and a label bears the sitter’s surname.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Size including frame: 39” x 32?” / 100cm x 82cm x 6cm

Year of creation: c. 1830

Provenance: France

Condition: Good. Craquelure throughout but the paint layer is stable. Two signs of previous professional restorations. Frame with scuffs and minor losses.

Physical Dimensions

Height

100cm (39.37")

Width

82cm (32.28")

Depth

6cm (2.36")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA645053

Description

A splendid 19th-century portrait of Dr Joseph Hippolyte Riembault sitting before a landscape and holding a dark red book in his left hand.

“

Dr Hippolyte Riembault was awarded the Legion Of Honour, which is the highest civilian (and military) order of merit in France.

Brave Fine Art

It was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and often employed as a tool to ensure political loyalty.

fig 1. Portrait Of Dr Joseph Hippolyte Riembault — fig 1. Portrait of Dr Joseph Hippolyte Riembault

It’s unclear why Joseph was given the award, but it’s potentially related to his work within medicine. Through our research, we’ve discovered that in 1835 he published a “Dissertation sur l'ictère ou jaunisse”, so perhaps this contributed towards his accolade. It’s also interesting to note that his right hand is held within his coat, as this could be a nod of respect to the former French Emperor.

fig 2. Portrait Of Dr Joseph Hippolyte Riembault — fig 2. Portrait of Dr Joseph Hippolyte Riembault

The portrait is housed within its original gilded frame and a label bears the sitter’s surname.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Size including frame: 39” x 32?” / 100cm x 82cm x 6cm

Year of creation: c. 1830

Provenance: France

Condition: Good. Craquelure throughout but the paint layer is stable. Two signs of previous professional restorations. Frame with scuffs and minor losses.