Michel-Louis-Joseph Bonté

Michel-Louis-Joseph Bonté, who was around thirty years old when this miniature was created, is shown in a uniform in front of an open landscape. In his hands he is holding a silver shimmering helmet which is adorned with an oak-leaf garland and ostrich feathers ¹ . Perhaps the miniature was painted on the occasion of the sitter being appointed Chef-de-Brigade in 1796.Michel-Louis-Joseph Bonté, born on July 27, 1766 in Coutances, had an impressive military career. In 1796 he was appointed Chef-de-Brigade, in 1803 colonel, in 1811 General-de-Brigade. In 1809 he was appointed Baron de l' Empire and he was promoted to Lieutenant Général honoraire in 1826. He died on March 6, 1836 in Paris.The baron is shown in front of a sky painted in watercolours, which increases the contrast between the background and the sitter.

B.P.

¹ In this context the helmet was supposed to point to the sitter's military achievements; it was not part of the uniform. We are grateful to Mr Pierre Papeloux for this information.