JEAN-URBAIN GUERIN (1761-1836) Jean-Étienne... - Lot 119 - Osenat

JEAN-URBAIN GUERIN (1761-1836) Jean-Étienne Championnet, general, commander of the army of Italy (1763-1800) Drawing in black pencil and blush heightened with white. Blue passe-partout and black and gold borders of the time, titled CHAMPIONNET (unstamped) Oval view : H. 20 x 17 cm Passe-partout : H. 33.6 x 25.2 cm Beautiful and rare portrait of General Championnet about thirty years before his premature death. A letter from Kléber, whose portrait has already been done, testifies to his affection as well as to the pause at Guérin's or even Kléber's house: "I warn you, my dear Guerin, that Generals Desaix and Rénier arrived yesterday in Paris and that they will stay there for a few days. They are very willing, both, to lend you their august face, so announce it to friend Fiesinger. I will warn you of the day when they will be able to give you a meeting, either at your place or at mine. General Championnet will be similarly here in a few days. I greet you very cordially. (Charavay, Revue des documents historiques, 1879).