Lot 76: Attributed to Pierre Allais (Paris circa 1700-1782)

Attributed to Pierre Allais (Paris circa 1700-1782)
Portrait of a gentleman, probably of the Froment de Bouaille family
with inscription 'M. de Frosmont' (on the backing paper)
pastel, on paper laid down on canvas
22 x 18 in. (56 x 46 cm.)

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 17.5% on the buyer's premium.
The name Frosmont appears to be a variant spelling of the more common Fromont, which suggests that the sitter may be a member of the Fromont de Bouaille family from Normandy. If so, the date suggests Pierre-Henri de Fromont, seigneur de Bouaille (b. 1727) and the portrait may have been executed to celebrate his marriage in 1756.

We are grateful to Neil Jeffares for his assistance in preparing this catalogue note.