Portrait of Armand-Augustin-Louis de Caulaincourt, Duke of Vicenza

Watercolor and gouache

early 19th century

2 1/2 x 3 1/4 in., framed to 5 1/8 x 5 3/4 in. 

Contemporary or near-contemporary wooden frame. Period ink inscription to frame verso identifying subject: "general / de Caulaincourt / duc de vicence / (1773-1827)". 

A pleasing side profile portrait of Armand-Augustin-Louis de Caulaincourt, the Duke of Vicenza (1773-1827), wearing a blue coat with golden embroidery, a red sash and high collar, and golden epaulettes.

Born into nobility, his father, the Marquis de Caulaincourt (1740-1808), was an officer in the French Army, serving under royal rule to the Republic, even serving Napoleon Bonaparte as Count of the Empire. In 1788, at age 14, Caulaincourt joined the Royal Foreign Cavalry Regiment. He was promoted to second lieutenant six months after the start of the French Revolution, and over the next three years, he rose in the ranks first as an aide-de-camp to his father, then as a captain of his regiment. 

In 1801, Caulaincourt began his diplomatic career as an envoy to the Russian Court to survey British influence. Caulaincourt was especially suited to the role as he was fluent in many languages, including Russian. When he returned, he was named Napoleon's aide-de-camp. When the French Empire was established, Napoleon granted Caulaincourt the title of Duke of Vicenza in 1808. 

Caulaincourt rode alongside Napoleon during his campaign into Russia, warning him of the dangers of winter on the icy terrain. After France's eventual retreat, Caulaincourt was promoted to Grand Marshal of the Palace, in which he signed the Armistice of Pleswitz and represented France at the Congress of Prague and the Treaty of Fontainebleau.

After Napoleon fell the second time, Russian Tsar Alexander I personally intervened on behalf of Caulaincourt, saving him from arrest and execution. Caulaincourt lived the rest of his life in Paris, passing at 53 from stomach cancer. There is a street named after him in the city, and his name is engraved on the Arc de Triomphe's west pillar. 

[Art, Fine Art, Portrait Miniature, Paintings, 19th Century, French Revolution, France, Napoleon] 

Not examined out of frame