Portrait of an Officer of the King's Guard - early 19th century French school

Early 19th century French school, portrait of a chief officer of the Garde Corps of King Charles X. He wears the uniform with silver thread trim and buttons bearing the coat of arms of France typical of this elite corps, adorned with the crosses chevalier of the Order of Malta, of the Legion of Honor and of Saint Ferdinand. Oil on canvas presented in its original gilded wood frame. Restoration period, circa 1820.

Our portrait is titled on the back Gilbert François Gabriel d'Herisson, born December 27, 1788, captain in the 5e Dragons in 1816 (Régiment de l'Herault), transferred in 1820 to the Gardes Corps du Roi as Maréchal des Logis Chef d'Escadron. This is an original work, representing Gabriel François Gilbert d Hérisson Polastron, of whom we know another miniature portrait in officer's uniform of the 5e Dragons, with the same medals, features, fine moustache and curly hair.

Gilbert François Gabriel d'HERISSON (1788-1854)
During the Empire, he served in the 9th light horse regiment, then in the 6th light horse regiment during the German (1813) and French (1814) campaigns.
He was aide-de-camp to General Ramel in 1815.
Captain of the Hérault dragoons (1816), then of the Gironde dragoons (1817), with the rank of squadron leader, he was subsequently brigadier (1820) then maréchal des logis (1827) in the King's bodyguards, Noailles company.
Dismissed following the days of July 1830, he was recalled to active service in the 6 hussar regiment and placed at the disposal of the Governor General of Algeria.

Knight of the Order of Malta on September 13, 1791 (with authorization to wear on November 18, 1824).
Knight of the Order of Saint Ferdinand of Spain 1st class (according to the registers of the Grand Chancellery) on November 7, 1824.
He was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor by royal decree on June 30, 1844.
In 1850, he unsuccessfully applied for the rank of Officer of the Legion of Honor, reminding General de Saint Mars that the latter had authorized him to wear the Order of Malta and the Order of Saint Ferdinand of Spain in 1824.
He died without issue.

expertise, Arnaud de Gouvion Saint-Cyr

A fine historical Royalist souvenir from the Restoration period. A fine portrait, alas unsigned.

In excellent condition, painting and frame cleaned by our restorers.

Dimensions frame 69 x 79,5cm
Dimensions canvas 54 x 65cm