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COUNTESS MATILDA GARDANNE DE VAULGRENNAND, NÉE DE BETANCOURT Y MOLINA, FROM THE MIDDLETON WATERCOLOR ALBUM

Creator(s):

Currently in storage


About this object

Born in Spain around 1804, Countess Matilda Gardanne de Vaulgrennand,née de Betancourt y Molina (c. 1804-c.1880), was the youngest daughter of Agustín de Betancourt y Molina, a well-known Spanish engineer. Impressed by his knowledge and skill, Alexander I invited Agustín and his family to Russia, where he became Inspector of the engineering institute in St. Petersburg and later facilitated the construction of public works such as bridges. Matilda and her siblings were therefore raised amidst the splendors of the Russian court. Letters exchanged between the Middletons indicate that Matilda was a close friend of the family both during their stay in Russia and beyond. She herself left Russia after the death of her father in 1824 and settled in Paris. Matilda married Charles Léon de Gardanne, Count of Vaulgrennand, in 1831 and had four children. She probably died in France circa 1880.

The bust-length portrait portrays Countess Matilda Gardanne de Vaulgrennand facing forward, eyes looking forward, against a background of grey clouds. The Countess’s dark hair is elaborately styled, with ringlets framing her face and a braided knot at the back of her head. She wears a blue-violet coat trimmed with brown fur that fastens with a gold clasp.

Object name:
COUNTESS MATILDA GARDANNE DE VAULGRENNAND, NÉE DE BETANCOURT Y MOLINA, FROM THE MIDDLETON WATERCOLOR ALBUM
Made from:
Watercolor and gouache on paper
Date made:
1825-1835
Size:
H. 5 5/8 in., W. 4 7/8 in.

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
52.39.17
Signature marks:
Inscription Comtesse Gardanne de Vaugremond, née Mathilde Bétancourt Bottom of page In cursive Watermark J. W[…]
Credit line:
Museum Purchase, 2004