Att. To Dumont Le Romain (1701-1781) Portrait Of A Man In Armor

Attributed to Jacques DUMONT dit DUMONT LE ROMAIN
(Paris 1701 - 1781)
Presumed portrait of Louis-Joseph de Formanoir (?-1732)
Oil on canvas
H.91.5 cm ; L. 73 cm
Signed on the helmet: "pinxit - Dumont"

Jacques Dumont was probably introduced to painting in the studio of his brother, François Dumont. At an early age, he left for Italy and lived with the painter Servandoni (1695-1766) in Rome, with whom he forged a lasting friendship. Dumont did not return to Paris until 1725, practicing engraving and painting before being admitted to the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture in 1728 with Hercule et Omphale (Musée des beaux-arts de Tours). From then on, he enjoyed growing success, collaborating on numerous projects, notably with Nicolas Coypel (1690-1734) for Histoire de Saint François de Paule aux Chartreux. From 1731 to 1755, Dumont produced tapestry cartoons for the Manufacture d'Aubusson. In 1736, he was appointed professor at the Académie and, in 1748, became head of the new Ecole des Elèves Protégés. Dumont returned to the Académie, however, where he became rector, chancellor and then director.

Portrait of Louis Joseph de Formanoir, seigneur de Saint-Mars et de Blainvilliers, who married Geneviève Raymonde Breget in 1715. He was the nephew and partial heir of Bénigne Dauvergne de Saint-Mars, thanks to whom his military career progressed, culminating in the distinction of Chevalier de l'Ordre Militaire de Saint-Louis.
This man in armor, white wig, white gloves on his left hand, bare right hand resting on his helmet, wearing the Order of Saint Louis hanging from his cuirass is, according to family tradition, the portrait of Louis Joseph de Formanoir. The night-time background reveals a burning city, with an obelisk and triumphal arch in the background. Does this great fire have anything to do with the life of Louis-Joseph de Formanoir? An exemplary battle? Undoubtedly, but as little is known about our character's life, the question remains unanswered.