Portrait of the Count d'Orsay (1748-1809) (1748-1809)

This rediscovered portrait of Pierre Gaspard Marie Grimod of Orsay (1748-1809) is a second version of the pastel portrait of the Count of Orsay attributed to Jean Valade (formerly attributed to Drouais), measuring 61 x 50 cm and belonging to the collectiondukes of Gramont. (picture below)

This collection was entrusted to the City of Bayonne in 1982, by Duke Antoine XIII of Gramont, in memory of his ancestors, former military governors of the city. The pastel portrait of the Count of Orsay is currently preserved in the castle of Pau, following an agreement between the City of Bayonne, the Duke of Gramont and the Museums of France (Bayonne, Fonds Gramont, inv. 60).

 
Probably at the request of the Count of Orsay, our portrait oil on canvas depicts him in a posture and dress very different and more "cavalier": in cuirass, under white drapes, red velvet and skin leopard, revealing the left hand.