193 - Emmanuel BOGAERT (Bruges, 1787–18..)

Emmanuel BOGAERT (Bruges, 1787–18..) Presumed portrait of the Prefect of the Nord department, Géraud Antoine Hippolyte, Count of Murat (1779–1854). Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower left “E. Bogaert f(ecit). 1825”. H. 61 x W. 51 cm. In a gilded wooden frame with fluted moldings from the Restoration period, inscribed on the reverse “H. Murat”. Frame: H. 80 x W. 68 cm. History Emmanuel Bogaert was born in Bruges around 1787 and trained at the City’s Academy of Fine Arts. He continued his career in Paris, where his presence is documented in 1809 as a student of Jacques-Louis David (1748–1825). The collection of the artist’s drawings held by Musea Brugge attests to his talent and to David’s influence on his work. Our portrait most likely depicts the Count of Murat, prefect of the Nord department during the Restoration between 1822 and 1828. He is shown in his prefect’s uniform, wearing his two decorations: the Legion of Honor and the Order of the Lily.