Lot 93: Henry II, Duke of Montmorency (1595-1632), in gold-figured doublet slashed to reveal white, lace collar, wearing the blue sash of the Royal French Order of the Holy Ghost, long curling hair and moustache; crimson drapery background

ASCRIBED TO PIERRE DUMONSTIER (FRENCH, C. 1585-1656)
Henry II, Duke of Montmorency (1595-1632), in gold-figured doublet slashed to reveal white, lace collar, wearing the blue sash of the Royal French Order of the Holy Ghost, long curling hair and moustache; crimson drapery background
on vellum laid down on card
oval, 1 3/8 in. (35 mm.) high, silver-gilt frame

AFTERNOON SESSION: PORTRAIT MINIATURES (LOTS 93-345)


Henry II de Montmorency was governor of Languedoc. In 1625 he defeated the French Protestant fleet, but the jealousy of Richelieu deprived him of the means of following up these advantages. In 1628/1629 he was allowed to command against the Duke of Rohan in Languedoc; in 1630 he defeated the Piedmontese, captured Prince Doria and was created marshal. In 1632 he joined the party of Gaston, Duke of Orleans, and placed himself at the head of the rebel army, which was defeated by Marshal Schomberg at Castelnaudary; severely wounded, he fell into the enemy's hands, and, abandoned by Gaston, was executed as a traitor at Toulouse. The title passed to his sister Charlotte-Marguerite, Princess of Condé.