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SIR THOMAS LAWRENCE, P.R.A. (1769-1830) LA MARQUISE DU BLAISEL Canvas, 25 inches by 30 inches HALF-LENGTH, nearly full face, dressed in low neck gown of white stain. Large yellow picture hat tied under chin, two yellow streamers hanging either side, blue scarf over right shoulder. To the left a glimpse of landscape. This portrait was painted by Lawrence in Paris, in 1825, where he had gone to execute a commission from George IV. to paint the French King, Charles X. He had a painting-room in the Tuileries. He also painted the Duchess de Berri, and the whole royal family showered attentions upon him, the Duke of Orleans, afterward Louis Philippe, among the rest. Besides the usual recognitions, the King presented the painter with a set of Sevres porcelains, which he afterward left to the Royal Academy. Mentioned in Sir Walter Armstrong's book on Sir Thomas Lawrence, p. 115. The house of de Blaisel was established before the reign of Louis IX, and is one of the most ancient in Picardy. It originated with the ancient dukes of Brabant. Daniel du Blaisel was killed at the battle of Crecy in the army of the Duke of Brabant, and is mentioned in Froissart. Wm. du Blasisel was slain at Poictiers, John was killed at Agincourt, Charles at the siege of La Rochelle, Barthelemy in the Fronde. By alliance in 1467, the family descended on the distaff side from Louis IV, King of France. A branch of the family received the title of marquis in the person of Louis de Blaisel, camp marshal, lieutenant of the royal gardes de corps by letters patent dated June 28th1 1780. The du Blaisels were also marquises of the Holy Roman Empire since 1714. 145