A remarkable 18th-century pastel portrait signed by renowned French artist Jean-Baptiste Perronneau achieved the highest price at a recent auction in Royan, France, selling for €240,000. The artwork, which depicts Antoine-Charles II Lorimier, became the star lot of the Saturday, October 18 auction held at the Royan auction house.
The portrait originates from the private collection of Jean-Soulange Renard, owner of the Château du Pinier located in La Vallée, situated between the towns of Saintes and Tonnay-Charente in the Charente-Maritime department. The painting represents a significant piece of French portraiture from the period, created by Perronneau, who was celebrated as one of the leading pastellists of the 18th century.
The subject of the portrait, Antoine-Charles II Lorimier, was born in 1722 and died in 1810, living through a tumultuous period in French history. Historical records indicate that Lorimier was a young officer with a promising military career ahead of him during his lifetime. The painting captures him during his youth, showcasing the artistic skill that made Perronneau famous throughout Europe.
In an unusual twist that adds personal significance to the sale, Antoine-Charles II Lorimier was actually an ancestor of Jean-Soulange Renard, the artwork's most recent owner. This family connection made the portrait not just a valuable piece of art, but also a treasured family heirloom that had remained within the lineage for generations before coming to auction.
The successful sale demonstrates the continued strong market demand for high-quality 18th-century French art, particularly works by established masters like Perronneau. The €240,000 hammer price reflects both the artistic merit of the piece and its exceptional provenance, combining historical significance with personal family heritage.
