Lot 20: Jean André Rouquet (Swiss, 1701-1758)

An important portrait of a Nobleman, wearing ochre and scarlet robes, red cloak and white lace cravat, full-bottomed, powdered wig
gouache on ivory, signed on the obverse Rouquet, shaped gilt-metal frame with scrolled border
Oval, 89mm. (3 1/2ins.) high

Rouquet is known as an enameller, rather than as a miniaturist working in watercolour. Very little is known about his early life and training as an artist. This superb miniature dates to circa 1720, when Rouquet was still in France (he came to London between 1723 and 1727). Most unusually it is painted in thick gouache on ivory and it is possible that the young Rouquet was influenced at this date by the work of Rosalba Carriera. Carriera (1675-1757), famous now for her innovative use of ivory as a support for portrait miniatures, visited Paris 1720-1, when Rouquet would have had the opportunity to see her work.
There are some similarities between the present lot and Carriera's work, chiefly the thick gouache used to describe the clothing and hair of the sitter and the thin wash applied to the sitter's face to allow the ivory to show through.
The composition of the present lot also appears to be heavily influenced by Nicolas de Largillierre (1656-1746). Largillierre was an important figure at the Royal Academy in Paris (where Rouquet eventually exhibited) becoming Assistant Professor in 1699 and continuing his involvement until 1742. Largilliere is best known for his portraits of the wealthy middle classes, mirroring Rouquet's patronage during his successful career as a portrait enameller, both in France and in England. Rouquet noted, in 1755, in his book 'L'État des Arts en Angleterre', that "...it is amazing how fond the English are of having their pictures drawn but then peoples fortunes are more upon a level in England". The present lot is an important addition to Rouquet's oeuvre and an indication of his artistic training, early influences and burgeoning talent.