A pair of family miniatures created ca. 1830/1840-s by austrian portrait miniature artist Thugut Heinrich . The author was active in Vienna and Krumau in 1830-1850-s. In 1859 he exhibited his portraits and miniatures by the Vienna Art Union "Kunstverein". His portrait of Duke Tascher de la Pagerie, dated 1832 can be see in the exhibition of Albertina/Vienna, 1924 . It´s not enough known about this painter but his miniatures and portraits are notable among collectors for extraordinarily intelligence. His miniatures show expression and strength and are predominantly implemented with care and fate.
About the sitters on miniatures : both came from noble austrian and english families.
The husband Count Hermann Paumgarten (1806-1846) - from famous munich noble family Paumgarten (see articles in internet about Mozart´s life in Munich);
The wife Mary Countess Paumgarten, born Erskine (1806-1874)was a daughter of 2nd Baron David Montagu-Erskine (1777 - 1855), envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary at the court of Austria and Mrs. Frances (Fanny) Cadvalader .
Source of information: www.c-centerprises.com/genealogy/search.php?mylastname=ERSKINE&lnqualify=equals&mybool=AND
Literature : Prof.H.Fuchs "Austrian Miniaturist Lexicon"(in german)
Inscription: both signed Heinrich , on the verso of man´s portrait can be see old iscription: painted by painter Heinrich (and with pencil) "Thugut ". Also on the reverse of both miniatures old inscriptions in german about sitters. By lady´s portrait : " Mary Countess Paumgarten, born Erskine, born 22 February 1806 , died 15 March 1874... Daughter of David Montagu , 2nd Baron of ..., Castle ..Fanny Cadvallader ";by gentlmen´s portrait : "painted by artist Heinrich, ..count Hermann Paumgarten, born 19 July 1806 , died 11 January 1846".
Technique: both : gouaches on ivory. Original period gilt bronze frames.
Measurements: both of similar dimensions: lady´s unframed w 4"x h 5 1/8" (10 x 13 cm); framed w 5 1/4" x h 6 1/2" ( 13,5 x 16,4 cm ); gentleman´s unframed w 3 6/8" x h 4 6/8" (9,7 x 11,8 cm ), framed w 5 3/8" x 6 1/8" (13,5 x 15,5 cm)
Condition: miniature of gentleman: perfect condition; miniature of lady : thin split from right shoulder down to the middle of edge . |