Lot 202: JEAN-JACQUES KARPFF, called CASIMIR (FRENCH, 1770-1829)

The playwright Collin d'Harleville (1755-1806), holding a quill and writing 'Scene V' seated at a table with an inkwell, quill-sharpenener, two books, one titled 'CICE RO'; in an interior with curtain, tassel and window showing a rocky landscape with an aqueduct in the background
signed and inscribed 'COLLIN D'HARLEVILLE, AUT: DU VIEUX CELIBAT DÉDIÉ À M. M E REISET, NÉE GODEFROY. CASIMIR. F. T' (lower border)
encre de chine heightened with white bodycolour
rectangular, 3 3/4 x 2 15/16 in. (96 x 74 mm.), gilt-metal mount on a wooden base

Comte de Reiset.

An old inscription on the reverse reads 'Portrait de Collin d'Harleville ami de ma mère peint par Casimir Karpff de Colmar Turin 1851 C t e de Reiset.
Jean-François Collin d'Harleville (1755-1806), abandoned his career as a lawyer to follow his vocation for literature and theatre. From 1781 onward, his highly successful comedies were staged at the Comédie française and maintained their popularity until many years after Collins's death. The inscription on present miniature refers to his celebrated Le Vieux Célibataire of 1792.

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.