A superb half-length historical portrait of a Cavalier in armour by Francois Leon Duluard. The subject, who wears a Cavalier’s hat on top of his long flowing wavy hair, is posed in a fine quality half suit of plated armour. Over his shoulder can be seen a richly coloured cloak of green and purple with gold edging held in place by a jewelled clasp. Duluard has managed to capture the force of his subject’s character as he stares confidently out at the viewer.

Francois Leon Duluard or Hippolyte-Francois-Leon Duluard was born in Paris on 18 November, 1866 to Francois Hypolite Duluard and Claire Josephine Caroline Dion. Some sources mistakenly list his year of birth as 1871 but official records show this to be incorrect. His father was a watchmaker and jeweller and the family lived at 11 Rue du Rocher in Paris. Although little has been documented about his early life, he would have undoubtedly received artistic training, perhaps attending art school.

He made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1888 and continued to exhibit there over the years. By the time of his marriage to Ida Webb on 4 July, 1894 he had established himself as an artist. The couple lived at 32, rue des Dames in Paris. In the same year as his marriage, he entered the École des Beaux-Arts where he studied under the historical and portrait painter Jean Leon Gérôme (1824-1904). Places at Gérôme’s atelier were limited and only the best students were admitted each year.

By 1898, Duluard had moved to 13, avenue Matignon where his wife’s family had lived. He continued to exhibit at the Salon, receiving a commendation in 1909 and a third class medal in 1910. He also exhibited at the Brussels Exhibition of 1910. He became known for his genre and historical paintings. Many of his works feature cavaliers in period costume or armour, such as this fine example. As well as painting, he also worked as an engraver, winning the Berlin-Dollet prize at the Salon in 1910. Sometime after 1901, he moved to 38, rue Francois 1er and began exhibiting at some of the London galleries such as the Graves Gallery, Pall Mall and the Hanover Gallery in Bond Street.

In 1922, after the death of his first wife in 1917, he married Simone Valentine Dumonceaux in Paris. Duluard died in 1953 and a number of his works can be found in museums and galleries including the Belgium Royal Museum, Brussels.

© Benton Fine Art