Jean-Michel Liotard

Jean-Michel Liotard (1702-1796) was the twin brother of Jean-Étienne Liotard (see also lots 13 and 14).

Sensitively drawn, with color applied to the verso in the manner in which his brother, Jean-Étienne, typically worked, this drawing reflects closely the techniques of the better-known Liotard. The close familial and working relationship of the brothers inevitably meant their artistic methods were comparable, and this can occasionally result in uncertainties regarding attribution. (See also lot 14.)

The identity of the sitter in this portrait remains unclear, despite the indication of her name inscribed on the letter. Roethlisberger suggests she could be a member of the Pourtalès family of Neuchâtel, of Prussian nobility since 1750, but that name does not appear in any other context within Liotard’s oeuvre.¹

Portrayed seated in an armchair, this elegant lady wears a lavish French dress with a small fur collar and a large ermine coat. Tangible textures are created in the application and color combination of the chalks and the overall effect of the portrait is enhanced by the technical device of applying areas of color to the verso to heighten depth and luminosity. This technique involved tracing the outlines of the figure on the verso in black chalk and filling in areas of the figure with blocks of strong red and black, possibly moistened pastel, allowing the colors to show through to the recto, subtly modifying the tonality of the page.

1. M. Roethlisberger and R. Loche, op.cit., p. 735, Cat. no. JML34