Lot 158: François Ferrière (Geneva 1752 - Morges 1839)

A young Gentleman, probably the artist's son, Louis Ami (1792-1866), wearing black coat, yellow waistcoat, tied white stock and frilled cravat
oil on panel, inscribed on reverse Portrait of F. Ferriere/ Painted by himself/ London - 1822, gilded wood frame
Rectangular, 137mm. (5 3/8ins.) high

S.N.P.G., 2000-2003

Lord Moore Croswaith
Mrs Emma Templetown (née Croswaith)

Despite what appears to be a period inscription, the present lot cannot be a self-portrait of François Ferrière. The sitter is clearly a young man and even if the portrait dates to as early as 1805 (the earliest possible date for the costume), François would have been 53 years old. However, as the portrait has come directly from 24 Crescent Grove, London, the home of Ferrière 1817-22, it seems plausible that it does represent a member of his family. The most likely candidate is the artist's son, Louis Ami, a miniaturist in his own right, who in 1822, would have been 30 years old.
The present lot is sold with a card, dated May 2001, stating that the portrait came from Crescent Grove.