Oil on canvas, signed and dated 1849 at lower right, a hand-written note affixed to the verso reads "Victor P. Balabine / Ministre de Russia à Vienna / 1860 - 1864," presented in a period gilt frame.

SS 7.75 x 5.75 in.; DOA 9/75 x 7.75 in.

Estate of the Late Richard Rivoire of Charles County, Maryland and Raleigh, North Carolina. A noted historical architect, J. Richard Rivoire was a native of Charles County, Maryland and the first to do extensive documentation of historic structures in that county. He moved to Raleigh in 2005 and was actively engaged in the research and documenting of historic structure in this region.

This portrait was likely completed in Paris, when Balabin (1811-1864) was serving as secretary of the Russian ambassador.

Born in Rome, Luigi Rubio was living in Paris between 1830 to 1848. He exhibited several history paintings at the Paris salons and was a sought after portrait artist.

Minor rubbing and chipping to frame.

$400 - 800