Antique miniature portraits of the Tormey-Holder Collection

 

 


American Artist: Philippe R. Vallée

 

 

Portrait miniature by Philippe R. Vallée (often confused with Jean François Vallée) depicting an early nineteenth centur American lady

Early Nineteenth Century American Lady

American
circa 1805
by Philippe R. Vallée
(fl. 1803-1812)
(signed obverse, lower right edge, "Vallée pxt")

2 x 2 1/2 inches (sight)

watercolor on ivory; housed under glass in a gilded copper surround
that is set within a gutta-percha frame with a floral pattern in relief

 


Portrait miniature by Philippe R. Vallée (often confused with Jean François Vallée) depicting an early nineteenth centur American lady

A view of the portrait outside its case, allowing its colors and
brush strokes to be seen more clearly without the distortion or
reflection that is often caused by the glass lens of a miniature's case
(Click + symbol above for an enlarged view)

 

About the Artist: Philippe R. Vallée was born circa 1777 in Saint-Domingue, on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (the island that is today comprised of both Haiti and the Dominican Republic). He studied under François-André Vincent at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in Paris. First recorded in America in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1803. Relocated to New Orleans by 1810. Served in the Louisiana militia during the war of 1812, during which time he was likely the Vallée who painted a portrait miniature of General Andrew Jackson, who would years later become the 7th President of the United States. Often confused with Jean François Vallée, also a French immigrant, who painted both portrait miniatures and silhouettes. Listed by Barratt and Zabar (page 67), Blättel (pages 906, 907) and Lemoine-Bouchard (page 495).

 

 

  Click here to read a more in-depth article on the life and times of Philippe R. Vallée.

 

 

Other portraits in the Tormey-Holder Collection attributed to Philippe R. Vallée
(click photos for larger views and additional information):

 

Portrait miniature by Philippe R. Vallée (often confused with Jean François Vallée) depicting an early nineteenth centur American gentleman

Early Nineteenth Century American Gentleman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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