Barthélémy Charles, Comte de Dreux-Nancré

This painting is unusual for the topographical view, in which one may see in the distance, across the Poitevin landscape, the ruins of the sixteenth century Château of Mondon. The stylishly dressed Count Barth�lemy-Charles (born in 1760) stands on a balustrade terrace, his height accentuated by the column to his right. He wears his cravat in a fashionable knot, and the artist has paid considerable attention to the Count’s elegant waistcoat and fine gloves.

The painting was acquired by then Senator John F. Kennedy in 1958 as a present for his wife and hung in their Georgetown home, before being transferred to the White House after his election as 35th President of the United States. It was hung in the family quarters until the assassination of the President, but remained in the collection of his widow until her death in 1994.