Théodore VALERIO (Hersange, 1809 – Vichy, 1879) - Lot 587

Théodore VALERIO (Hersange, 1809 – Vichy, 1879) Sava Birtinka, a Greek Woman from Ségar, 1852. Watercolor over a black chalk sketch. Height: 39.5 cm Width: 27.5 cm Signed lower left “VALERIO.” Provenance: - Collection of Empress Eugénie de Montijo, donated before 1879 to Count Davillier, first equerry to Napoleon III; - Later in the Davillier family, sold from the estate of the count’s daughter; - France, private collection. Théodore Valerio, renowned for his watercolors depicting the many ethnic groups that made up the population of the Austro--Hungarian Empire all the way to the borders of the Balkans during his various travels between 1851 and 1854, presented this watercolor to Empress Eugénie de Montijo on the occasion of the 1855 World’s Fair. This young Greek woman from Ségar (Žegar) was the subject of another version dated 1852 and held in Paris under inventory number EBA 9848, which is slightly larger in size (464 x 284 mm). It differs from ours, however, in a few details, such as the facial expression and the embroidery on the tunic. She is depicted against a neutral background, whereas our version shows her against a mountainous landscape. Like much of the imperial couple’s property, this drawing accompanied Napoleon III and his wife into exile in London and was presented to Count Davillier (see the photographic portrait by Gray) in recognition of his unwavering service during his career as an officer and chief equerry to Napoleon III. Count Davillier-Regnaud was an aide-de-camp and very close to the couple in exile. It was he who accompanied the Emperor in his final moments and sealed his final resting place in Chislehurst. After remaining in the service of Empress Eugénie for several years, he returned to France in 1879. The drawing retains Count Davillier’s autograph inscription from the original mounting, certifying its provenance from the collection of Empress Eugénie. Bibliography: Théophile Gautier, *L’Orient*, Paris, Fasquelle, 1893, pp. 21–68. Christine Peltre, “Th. Valerio’s Journey to Hungary,” *Le Pays lorrain*, 1986, pp. 81–88. Christine Peltre, “Valerio’s Orient,” Milan, FMR No. 34, 1991, illustrations.