JEAN PIERRE THIBOUST (FRENCH 1763-c.1824) Portrait miniature of a Gentleman, wearing military-style blue cloak with silver ‘epaulettes’ and red-edged collar, white waistcoat and stock, his hair powdered, hoop earring, c. 1794 signed, Thiboust/ 3 R, centre right watercolour on ivory gilt-metal frame with engraved inner border, the reverse with hairwork and watercolour cipher of initials ‘LRS’ set in neoclassical border circular, 57mm (2 1/4in) diam. During his day, Thiboust was a highly regarded miniaturist who attracted a notable following amongst his patrons. He was a pupil of Le Guay and Durameau, he was particularly successful during the Revolutionary period in France, painting impressively complex compositions of sitters in classical dress. His career continued into the 19th century, where he painted the director of the Opéra, Louis Luc de Persius (1769-1819) in a stunning portrait, showing him in the act of composing music. Thiboust’s self-portrait is in the collection of the Musee Carnavalet, Paris.