Lot 94: JEAN-BAPTISTE WEYLER (FRENCH, 1747-1791)

Turenne, (1611-1675) in gilt-studded armour and gold cloak, large lace lawn collar, shoulder length greying hair, moustache and small beard
enamel on copper
oval, 3 5/8 in. (91 mm.) high, later gilt-metal mount within rectangular black wood frame

Sotheby's, Geneva, 6 May 1981, lot 11.

Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne, Vicomte de Turenne, Marshal of France. An exceptional commander, he was the only Frenchman on Emperor Napoleon's list of history's seven great captains.
Due to his legendary fame, Turenne was the perfect object for Jean-Baptiste Weyler's 'panthéon iconographique' started in 1785. 'This pantheon was meant to display the portraits of famous men both of French and foreign origin, painted in the enamel technique in order to ensure them a place in posterity. Among the celebrities selected as "sitters" for this enterprise were field marshals Turenne and Catinat, Henry IV of France, Tsar Peter the Great, Admiral de Ruyter and also Benjamin Franklin.' (S. Coffin/B. Hofstetter, The Gilbert Collection - Portrait Miniatures in Enamel, London, 2000, p. 111).

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.