Terms and conditions of use
The family of André-François, Count Miot de Melito, (1762-1841) consul of France to Florence
(La Famille d'André-François, comte de Miot de Melito, (1762-1841) consul de France, accrédité à Florence)
1795-1796
Medium
oil on canvas on canvas
Measurements
68.7 × 88.0 cm (image) 69.5 × 89.0 cm (canvas)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Andrew Sisson, 2010
Gallery location
17th & 18th Century Decorative Arts & Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
In 1795 André-François Miot was sent to Florence to represent the new French Republic. While there, he met Louis Gauffier, a French Neoclassical artist who created this charming family portrait. Miot wears the national colours with the robe and a cockade upon his hat, and sits between Classical sculptures of Minerva and Brutus, both Republican symbols. A rhythmic pattern of touching hands links Miot to his young children, wife and brother. Behind him is a view of the famous Florence skyline, signalling Miot’s sensibility to the charms of his adopted country and his emerging role as a broker of peace between France and the Papal States.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Inscription
inscribed in black paint l.l.: L. Gauffier, flor.ce l'an 4.me de la Rep.e
Accession Number
2010.513
Department
International Painting
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Dame Carol Colburn-Grigor CBE through Metal Manufactures Limited
Subjects (general)
Human Figures Interiors Portraits
Subjects (specific)
children (people by age group) consuls diplomats families (kinship groups) family portraits parents spouses
Movements
Neoclassicism