Lot 639: Alexandre Moitte (Paris 1750-1828)

Courtship; and Family life signed and dated 'A. Moitte 1786' (1) black lead, watermark Pro Patria (1), with countermark GR (2) 190 x 145 mm.a pair (2) PROVENANCE Ren‚ Fribourg, New York and Paris. Mme. Lucienne Fribourg; Sotheby's, London, 27 March 1969, lot 123 (to Douwes for Dreesmann). Dr Anton C.R. Dreesmann (inventory no. B-11). NOTES Primarily known as an engraver who made several successful prints after compositions by Greuze, Moitte was also a keen recorder of elaborate and exotic costumes. In the courtship scene, the woman's huge cap with its exaggerated lace and her polonaise gown with double sleeve ruffle were popular in the early 1780s.