Lot Essay
The present work was painted by the wife and pupil of the famous Jean-Baptiste Jacques Augustin, whose artistic influence is evident in this portrait, which has previously been attributed to the master.
The inscription on the reverse suggests the sitter may be a member of the artist's family. Germain du Cruet, Chevalier Barailhon (1726-1805) was Pauline’s father from his second marriage to Anne Magdelaine, Cornus de la Fontaine. Germain du Cruet was Receveur général des domaines et bois for the Generality of Lyon and Royal Secretary of Finance (Secrétaire du Roi aux Finances) to King Louis XVI.
The inscription on the reverse suggests the sitter may be a member of the artist's family. Germain du Cruet, Chevalier Barailhon (1726-1805) was Pauline’s father from his second marriage to Anne Magdelaine, Cornus de la Fontaine. Germain du Cruet was Receveur général des domaines et bois for the Generality of Lyon and Royal Secretary of Finance (Secrétaire du Roi aux Finances) to King Louis XVI.