SIMON JACQUES ROCHARD

Rochard worked across France, Belgium, and London throughout his career. Given the date of 1830, the present miniature would have likely been painted whilst Rochard was living in London, where he enjoyed the commissions of members of the social elite, including the Duke of Devonshire. It is not known who the lady in this portrait is, but she is painted here wearing the most fashionable items of the day, including the large, billowing sleeves to be expected of women’s dresses in this decade, and a cameo, suspended on a gold chain, most likely depicting a loved one in profile. 

As a student of Isabey, the ability to depict sitters with delicacy and lightness is evident in this portrait, as is the stronger colouring of Aubry, under whom Rochard was also a student. Foskett suggests that he was also influenced by the work of Lawrence, and the bright sky leaking into the portrait from behind the trees, as well as the sitter’s glossy hair, can both be seen as elements taken from the work of the master of full-scale portraiture. This background is almost impressionistic in its appearance, as is the foliage in the upper background.