Portrait of a seated lady wearing a feathered hat

The sitter of this imposing portrait has been identified as Anne-Josèphe Théroigne de Méricourt (1762-1817), who in some of her portraits wears a hat and otfit, inspired by male fashion, similar to the one seen here. An influential figure during the French Revolution and an eloquent speaker, she was an advocate for female membership in revolutionary clubs and delivered fiery orations before the National Assembly and in the streets of Paris. Although Augustin was foremost active as a miniaturist, he often executed large chalk drawings as preparatory works. A comparable drawing of approximately the same size and with the same provenance, was in the sale Christie’s, Monaco, 20 June 1992, lot 280.