École française d’époque révolutionnaire.
Portrait of an officer of the Garde Nationale, wearing the medal of the victors of the Bastille.
Oil on canvas (slight restoration).
In a rectangular giltwood and brown frame.
H. 81 x L. 65 cm.
Provenance
- Former collection of Dr. Benhamou.
- Private collection, Paris.
History
Once identified as a portrait of General Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette (1754-1834), our anonymous sitter wears, on his National Guard uniform, the Médaille d'Or Communale des Gardes-Françaises, created by decree on September 1, 1789 for members of this regiment who took part in the storming of the Bastille. La Fayette wears it on his habit in a portrait by Weyler, even though he was not among the rioters. In his right hand, he holds his bicorne hat with the tricolor cockade and red plume.
