Lot 203: An equestrian portrait

Attributed to Jean-Baptiste Martin Paris 1659-1735
An equestrian portrait
oil on canvas
23 5/8 x 19 3/8 in. 60 x 49.2 cm.

Collection of Ambassador David K.E. Bruce and Evangeline Bell Bruce;
and by descent to the present owners.

PROPERTY FROM THE ESTATE OF AMBASSADOR DAVID K. E. BRUCE


Jean-Baptiste Martin, known as Martin des Batailles, trained in the studio of Laurent de la Hyre where he was recognized for his skill in drawing plans and elevations of fortified sites. He collaborated with the battle painter Adam Frans van der Meulen and served as the official artist on many of Louis XIV's campaigns.

Ambassador David K.E. Bruce had a long and distinguished career in the diplomatic corps, serving as ambassador to France from 1949 to 1952, West Germany from 1957 to 1969 and the United Kingdom from 1961 to 1969. He was an envoy at the Paris peace talks between the United States and North Vietnam in 1970-71 and was the first United States emissary to the People's Republic of China in 1973-74. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in February 1976.