Think that you may own a painting by Louis Carrogis de Carmontelle? We authenticate, appraise, research and issue certificates of authenticity (COA) and provide consultations for all paintings by Louis Carrogis de Carmontelle.

The Countess of Crosse in the Salon
Art Institute of Chicago
Louis Carrogis de Carmontelle was an 18th century French artist, designer and writer. Most notably, he worked for the Duc de Chartres, and created a series of portraits for the duc's household and visitors in pencil and watercolor. He created these very quickly, in a matter of less than two hours, and featured his sitters in profile. Some of Carmontelle’s sitters included members of the court and historically famous individuals such as a young Mozart and his father. In all, some 750 of these portraits were collected and sold after his death, and are considered most valuable by art historians.

The Unfortunate Calas Family
Louvre Museum, Paris

Portrait of David Hume c. 1764
National Galleries of Scotland
Carmontelle´s not only worked as a painter, but was a skilled writer and was hired as an art critic. Carmontelle wrote a number of pamphlets, some of which were published anonymously. It has been said that Carmontelle’s paintings and writings are invaluable indications of pre-Revolutionary life in France.

Monsieur de Vairus c. 1770
Graphite, Crayon, Watercolor on Paper
Fine Art Museum of San Francisco

Pierre Victor, The Baron Bezenal of Bromstatt
Print (Etching)
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Monsieur Jean-Pierre de Bougainville
Drawing
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Portrait of Louis-Phillipe, Duke of Orleans
Print (Etching)
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Monsieur Messer and Madame Boissier
Watercolor
Musée Condé, Chantilly

Mademoiselle Desgots Playing the Harpsichord with Laurent 1766
Musée Carnavalet
Are you still wondering about an 18th century French portrait or painting in your family collection? Contact us…it could be by Louis Carrogis de Carmontelle.

