FRENCH SCHOOL of the late 18th or early 19th century - Lot 138

FRENCH SCHOOL of the late 18th or early 19th century Presumed portrait of Barthélémy Catherine JOUBERT (1769-1799) Oval canvas. 65 x 56 cm Exhibition: Two centuries of military glory 1610-1814, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, April-June 1935. Bibliography : DEPREAUX Albert: Deux siècles de gloire militaire 1610-1814, Musée des Art décoratifs, Paris 1935, n°601: Le général Joubert, commandant des armées de Hollande et d'Italie (1769-1799). Provenance: - Mme André-Joubert, direct descendant of General Joubert, wife of General Blaise ; - By descent to the current owner. Born in Pont-de-Vault in 1769, BarthélémyCatherine JOUBERT began his military career under the Ancien Régime, then enlisted as a private in 1791, and enjoyed one of those meteoric rises to prominence that made the Napoleonic epic such legends. He was appointed brigadier general in 1795 and division general in 1796. He assisted Bonaparte in the Italian campaign of 1796 and 1797, particularly distinguishing himself at Rivoli and Arcole. When Bonaparte left France for the Egyptian campaign, he told those who feared for France in his absence: "Have no fear. I'll leave Joubert to you". He would not live to see the Empire, cut down at the age of 30 at the battle of Novi, during the second Italian campaign he commanded.