Claude Pougins De Saint Aubin - Pastel Portrait Of The Count Of Guerchy

Born in 1712 into a family of ancient nobility, Claude-Louis-François de Régnier, Count of Guerchy, was a member of the military elite during the reign of Louis XV. He entered military service at a very young age and quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his leadership qualities and family connections.
He became lieutenant colonel of the King’s Infantry Regiment, one of the most prestigious units in the French army. His career continued with successive promotions up to the rank of lieutenant general of the King’s armies, a rank reserved for the most experienced officers and those closest to power.
Appointed governor of the towns and castle of Huningue, a strategic stronghold on the Rhine, he held significant military and administrative responsibilities there, overseeing the defenses and the garrison.
His career took on a diplomatic dimension when he was appointed French ambassador to the court of London, a delicate post given the context of Franco-British rivalry. There, he represented the kingdom’s interests, maintained relations with British ministers, and participated in the negotiations leading up to the Seven Years’ War.
His appointment as a Knight of the King’s Orders, including the Order of the Holy Spirit, cemented his status at the pinnacle of the nobility. The blue sash visible in the pastel is one of the most recognizable symbols of this honor.
In 1740, he married Gabrielle d’Harcourt, daughter of Marshal Duke d’Harcourt, a member of one of the kingdom’s most prominent families. The couple had one son and two daughters, thereby strengthening the alliances of the House of Régnier.
The Count of Guerchy died in Paris on November 17, 1764, at the age of 52, at the end of a brilliant career that combined military service, diplomacy, and government offices.

On the back of the painting, written in pen in the 18th century, is the following:
Claude-Louis-François de Régnier, Count of Guerchy,Knight of the King’s Orders,Lieutenant General of His Majesty’s armies,Lieutenant Colonel of the King’s Infantry Regiment,Governor of the towns and castle of Huningue,formerly His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Court of London.Died in Paris on November 17, 1767, at the age of 52. In 1740, he married Gabrielle, daughter of the late Marshal, Duke of Harcourt, with whom he had one son and two daughters.

The descendants of the Count of Guerchy are today represented by the Cléron d’Haussonville and Haut de Sigy families.

A beautiful portrait of a historical figure; this is either an original work or a period copy, perhaps of a previously unknown portrait by Jean Baptiste Perronneau.

In good overall condition; all elements are original; the frame retains its original gold leaf gilding, which is worn.

Frame dimensions: 80x67 cm