Duchess of Berry Engraving by Montaut circa 1830 – Marie-Caroline

Description

This Duchess of Berry engraving by Montaut, dating to circa 1830, portrays Marie-Caroline of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (1798–1870) in riding dress against a landscape background.

The inscription “Montaut del et sculp” appears beneath the image, identifying Montaut as both draughtsman and engraver. The printed French title reads “LA DUCHESSE DE BERRY”.

Marie-Caroline wears a feathered hat, a prominent light-coloured collar and a fitted garment decorated with ornamental braid fastenings. Gloves and a riding crop complete her costume. The engraving gives particular attention to the curls of her hair, the feathers, the clothing and the modelling of her face.

The wife of Charles-Ferdinand d’Artois, Duke of Berry, and mother of Henri, Count of Chambord, she became a prominent supporter of the Bourbon royalist cause. In 1832, she attempted to rally western France in support of her son’s claim to the throne as Henri V. Her story is closely associated with the Vendée and Chouan uprising of that year. Arrested in Nantes on 7 November 1832, she was subsequently imprisoned at Blaye.

This portrait would appeal to collectors of French royal history, Bourbon memorabilia, historical costume and antique portrait prints.

Details

• Sitter: Marie-Caroline, Duchess of Berry.

• Draughtsman and engraver: Montaut, as credited in the printed inscription.

• Date: circa 1830.

• Medium: monochrome engraving on paper.

• Sheet dimensions: 18 × 13.9 cm.

• Printed image dimensions: 12.3 × 10 cm.