Can anyone give me some insight on this small painting (Duvivier) ???????

[pjroo33]

While cleaning out one of my closets, I came across this small painting I bought at an auction years ago. I was wondering if anyone might be able to give me some info. It is on laid paper. The name on the painting is Duvivier. Not sure if that is the name of the sitter or the artist. I've placed a quarter on the frame so you can see the size. What period is the clothing on the figure? I was thinking mid to late 18th century Well, any input would be appreciated. Thanks

 

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[Breezie]

There was a French artist by the name of Benjamin Duvivier and a Belgium artist, Jean-Bernard Duvivier. You might want to do some research on their style of paintings, but I don't think they did water color. Breezie

 

[jimbob450]

From the looks of the clothing I would sugggest looking at:
www.blupete.com/Hist/BiosNS/1700-63/Duvivier.htm
Jimbob. Hope it helps.

 

[Saturna]

Wow, I've heard of frames overpowering the painting before, but that's crazy.

 

[pjroo33]

Wow, I've heard of frames overpowering the painting before, but that's crazy.

LOL... Definitely not a flattering frame!!!! I bought it for the miniature painting. Not the ridiculous frame. It looks like someone took a much larger frame and cut it down to size.

 

[Mackaydon]

Bernard Duvivier's other works seem to be in the late 1780s.
Edit: There was also an "Aimee Duvivier" who exihibited her works during the period 1786-1824.

 

[Ramitt]

From what I have seen and read Jean-Bernard Duvivier signed his J.B Duvivier, though on such a small painting who knows.

 

[pjroo33]

So, would it be safe to say it is probably late 18th century?

 

[Bramblefind]

It reminds be a lot of this medal with the portrait of Napoleon by Benjamin Duvivier. Perhaps someone made a copy of it?

http://www.gutenberg-e.org/haw01/haw05.html

The Duvivier Medal


It was not just Italian médailleurs, however, who created medals for or about Napoleon. As mentioned earlier, the foremost French engraver of the day, Benjamin Duvivier, also fabricated perhaps the most impressive medal of the era, memorializing Bonaparte as peacemaker, triumphant general, and patron of the arts. A true work of art, this medal was not only intended as a gift to the National Institute but was also advertised in Le Moniteur and proved to be a popular success. 100



A superb bust portrait of Bonaparte adorns the face. He is shown in profile, facing right and wearing his uniform.

 

[Breezie]

So, would it be safe to say it is probably late 18th century?

I can't date the watercolor yet, but can date the frame. Judging by the front, the frame looks Victorian, but would like to see a pic of the back. The painting could have been in a dozen frames before it reached you. Actually, I really like the frame, and looks to be gold leaf.

The portrait could be of Duvivier, so maybe you need to google what all the Duvivier artist looked like.

Breezie

 

[Monty]

I saw a bit on Antique Roadshow many months ago that featured some works by an artist that specialized in miniature portraits in colonial times. Apparently they were quite popular.But darn if I can remember anything more than that. Monty

 

[pjroo33]

It reminds be a lot of this medal with the portrait of Napoleon by Benjamin Duvivier. Perhaps someone made a copy of it?

http://www.gutenberg-e.org/haw01/haw05.html

The Duvivier Medal


It was not just Italian médailleurs, however, who created medals for or about Napoleon. As mentioned earlier, the foremost French engraver of the day, Benjamin Duvivier, also fabricated perhaps the most impressive medal of the era, memorializing Bonaparte as peacemaker, triumphant general, and patron of the arts. A true work of art, this medal was not only intended as a gift to the National Institute but was also advertised in Le Moniteur and proved to be a popular success. 100



A superb bust portrait of Bonaparte adorns the face. He is shown in profile, facing right and wearing his uniform.

That medal does look very similar to the painting. It would be pretty sweet if the painting was some type of preliminary sketch for the medal.

 

[Mackaydon]

Pjroo: Exactly what I was thinking!!

 

[Iron Patch]

I saw a bit on Antique Roadshow many months ago that featured some works by an artist that specialized in miniature portraits in colonial times. Apparently they were quite popular. But darn if I can remember anything more than that. Monty

They were very popular and you can always find them for sale on Ebay, some going for very good prices. Rarely did they use African-Americans so they are rare, and one was actually featured on the Road show.

The picture above strikes me a little different, maybe it's just the frame, not sure.

 

[Bramblefind]

I noticed your location and wanted to pass this along too -

more info here

http://www.schwarzgallery.com/catalogs/misc/pdf/cat72.pdf

Du Vivier
(French, active United States 1796–1807/1808)
A Mid-Atlantic Town House, c. 1796–1808
Oil on canvas, 27 1/4 x 37 inches
Signed at lower right: “Du Vivier fecit”
According to George C. Groce and David H. Wallace in The New-York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America,
1564–1860, Duvivier and Son taught drawing in Philadelphia, 1796–97.1 The authors go on to state that the elder artist
claimed that he had been a member of the Royal Academy in Paris and that at least one of the two artists was still in
Philadelphia in 1798.2

 

[pjroo33]

I noticed your location and wanted to pass this along too -

more info here

http://www.schwarzgallery.com/catalogs/misc/pdf/cat72.pdf

Du Vivier
(French, active United States 1796–1807/1808)
A Mid-Atlantic Town House, c. 1796–1808
Oil on canvas, 27 1/4 x 37 inches
Signed at lower right: “Du Vivier fecit”
According to George C. Groce and David H. Wallace in The New-York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America,
1564–1860, Duvivier and Son taught drawing in Philadelphia, 1796–97.1 The authors go on to state that the elder artist
claimed that he had been a member of the Royal Academy in Paris and that at least one of the two artists was still in
Philadelphia in 1798.2

Wow... That is pretty interesting! I purchased the painting at a small auction house just outside of Philadelphia. Thanks for the research.

 

[pjroo33]

So, would it be safe to say it is probably late 18th century?

I can't date the watercolor yet, but can date the frame. Judging by the front, the frame looks Victorian, but would like to see a pic of the back. The painting could have been in a dozen frames before it reached you. Actually, I really like the frame, and looks to be gold leaf.

The portrait could be of Duvivier, so maybe you need to google what all the Duvivier artist looked like.

Breezie

The frame is probably from the Victorian era. It definitely post-dates the painting.

 

[pjroo33]

Is the frame wooden or a plaster under the paint?

The frame is wooden.

 

[kyphote]

I'd recommend carefully removing the frame and checking the canvas back. Watercolors are often accompanied by verso inscriptions. I question this being 18th century as the signature is too overwhelming. This could be a 19th century study. I appraise 19th century art (certified ASA), if that means anything.

 

[Breezie]

Is the frame wooden or a plaster under the paint?

Most of the Victorian frames like this one was wooden with the raised decor done in plaster, then the frame was painted red, then layered with gold leaf. If I could see the back of the frame, I would know if it were true Victorian era frame or a copy. Not all Victorian frames were gold leafed, but most like this were wooden with plaster. Breezie