Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
Salomon-Guillaume Counis likely began his career in the enamel studio of his uncle Wolfgang-Adam Toepffer (1766-1847), where he produced accomplished portraits of Swiss patrons. In 1806 he moved to Paris to study under Anne-Louis Girodet (1767-1824) and by 1810 he had caught the attention of Elisa Bonaparte, Grand Duchess of Tuscany and sister of Napoleon, who appointed Counis peintre en émail de la Cour in Florence. This portrait stands out in Counis’ oeuvre due to its larger scale and deviation from the artist's traditional use of enamel.
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Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The painting is reinforced on the reverse with a glue lining. The paint layer is stable and there is a fine craquelure across the surface. The varnish is clear. There is some scuffing along the extreme right edge. Inspection under ultraviolet light revealed an opaque varnish which fluoresces green. There is an anomaly in this varnish which is visible in natural light as an uneven line of color across the sitter’s neck and the surrounding background. Ultraviolet light also revealed some strengthening to the contours of the sitter’s hairstyle. The painting should be displayed in its current condition and is offered in a decoratively carved and giltwood frame.
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Lot 6Sale 20459
Portrait of a young ladySALOMON-GUILLAUME COUNIS (GENEVA 1785-1859 FLORENCE)Estimate: USD 8,000 - 12,000
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