Hidden 18th century portraits discovered at Château de Purnon

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  • Опубліковано 15 кві 2023
  • The remarkable discovery of two incredible 18th century portraits found hidden and abandoned on Château de Purnon's deuxieme étage has us eager to find their identities.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 191

  • @ellaaltman2137
    @ellaaltman2137 Рік тому +16

    LOVE this modern couple with such a passion and affinity for the past. PURNON could not have better stewards.

  • @MissSilencedogood
    @MissSilencedogood Рік тому +44

    WOW! Can you get it to a conservation painting expert? It is a piece of history that should never be lost wow, wow. wow. They can completely bring them back with AMAZING results almost like new!

    • @dougl945
      @dougl945 8 місяців тому

      Thousands of Euros to restore each. With a leaking roof.

  • @jballie1
    @jballie1 Рік тому +28

    Bonjour il semblerait que le premier portrait trouvé sous l'armoire soit celui de : Edouard Achard de la Haye 27/10/1778-6/10/1844 , né et mort au château de Purnon ; il était Chevalier de l'ordre de Malte; cela correspond aux insignes du portrait. J'ai une autre piste du côté de la famille de Goyon: il y avait un préfet ( uniforme de préfet) Michel Augustin de Goyon 1764-1854, beau-père de Catherine Achard de la haye 1810-1885.
    it would seem that the first portrait found under the cupboard is that of: Edouard Achard de la Haye 27/10/1778-6/10/1844, born and died at the Château de Purnon; he was a Knight of the Order of Malta; this matches the portrait insignia . I have another clue on the side of the Goyon family: there was a prefect (prefect uniform) Michel Augustin de Goyon 1764-1854, father-in-law of Catherine Achard de la haye 1810-1885.

  • @belhommechrist3357
    @belhommechrist3357 Рік тому +38

    Bravo. Je pense que votre portrait d'homme est plutôt debut XIXe siècle et pas XVIIIe. Il a toutes les caractéristiques de l'époque Empire que ce soit au niveau de la chevelure ou du costume. Travaillant à une époque à Bernay en Normandie je passait souvent devant le château des Achard de la Haye. Peut-être subsiste-il encore là-bas des portraits de famille pour permettre une identification.

  • @nativetexson
    @nativetexson Рік тому +29

    Fascinating!. The history buff and historic preservationist in me is geeking out with this. The correlation between the books bound in red and the fact the gentleman in the painting holding a book bound in red is a prime clue into his identity. Keep up the amazing work. Thanks-

    • @valeriellauke2179
      @valeriellauke2179 Рік тому

      lol I just spent an hour researching ... >>> rabbithole fun !

  • @lbuffc
    @lbuffc Рік тому +16

    Definitely hope you can get the paintings restored and conserved…brilliant find!! I love your vlogs…thank you for sharing Purnon’s story with us.

  • @louiselewis5061
    @louiselewis5061 Рік тому +11

    Another wonderful treasure hunt-such interesting finds. The books are gorgeous! Maybe one of the books is in the gentleman’s hand in the portrait. You both are the perfect new owners of this exquisite estate. You take such care with everything. It’s all so interesting and intriguing.

  • @kathyevans2968
    @kathyevans2968 Рік тому +15

    This, as always was fascinating! Chateau de Purnon is in such good custodianship in her restoration, as well as the contents of remaining furniture and paintings! It’s so good that these have stayed with the chateau as part of the history, and luckily also with you. I saw on a British vlog a while back, in reference to paintings from centuries ago, that hands were often painted by a specialist or more expensive portrait artist. This explains why sometimes hands were unfinished or odd looking and could explain your gentleman’s less refined hands… just a thought!

  • @michellewilliamson449
    @michellewilliamson449 Рік тому +4

    The 18th century bed frames are lovely! I would take them back to the original wood.The paintings are a magnificent find! It is as if your looking through the looking glass of time!

  • @spamanator666
    @spamanator666 Рік тому +10

    Have you looked closer on top of each wardrobe also, like the area at 19:05 or so? Seems like there is a small gap on top of each between it and the ceiling, might be some things hidden up there years ago and forgotten.

  • @tinycotswoldcottage
    @tinycotswoldcottage 2 місяці тому +2

    Hi, my degree was in the History of Art and one thing that struck me was that the most important part of paintings (in this case the faces), was often painted by a master while other areas of the paintings (the hands here?) would be given to lesser members of their studio team which may explain the difference in quality. I would suggest trying to get a seperate grant to get them restored and, after getting advice on how to safely store them, would handle them as little as possible in the interim until they can be restored. Likewise, with the clothing that you found - its so important to know how to handle and store them or you could unwittingly do irreversible damage. The paintings and clothing are all so wonderful and could become such highlights of the finished building. Perhaps one room could be given over to a small museum of the artifacts (with controlled lighting and temperatures etc.)? I love your project and your dedication to restoration - what wonderful people you seem to be.

  • @claudiamann7111
    @claudiamann7111 Рік тому +1

    What amazing finds. The man in the portrait is holding a red book just like the ones in the cupboard. Interesting!!

  • @beverlysnow9315
    @beverlysnow9315 Рік тому +6

    The rolled up painting is so distinctive, especially with him holding the red book. Does it match the set of red bound books shown at the beginning of the clog? Stunning!

    • @tstrong7910
      @tstrong7910 Рік тому +2

      I wondered the same about the red book.

    • @red.aries1444
      @red.aries1444 Рік тому +1

      He said about the set of red books, that they are bound journals from the end of the 19th cantury, the painting dates from around 1790 - hundred years earlier. So it is very unlikly that there is any connection. Binding with red leather was in fashion for a long time.

    • @tonifreeman-pt1rb
      @tonifreeman-pt1rb Рік тому +1

      Enjoying all the paintings, bed frames and clothing that was found. Can’t wait to see what you do with your treasures you found.

  • @rickflood9813
    @rickflood9813 11 місяців тому +2

    I would be in heaven to be able to help with the artifacts, furniture, paintings you are finding. Having done something similar from a genealogy of my own family, I find it fascinating on so many levels.

  • @jefflawrentz1624
    @jefflawrentz1624 Рік тому +8

    What fascinating treasures your chateau holds! The paintings are amazing. I always look forward to your vlogs. Thank you!

  • @leahstaska2515
    @leahstaska2515 Рік тому +6

    So glad that you shared all of that.
    Fascinating!

  • @predatornz.5493
    @predatornz.5493 Рік тому +3

    New sub,,,isn't amazing what treasures u can find and not all Chateau s still have these amount of History to find as they have been stripped out . But you guys gave a lot to found out who are these people . Great to see a Australia doing the right thing and living the life of a Chatelaine. ❤

  • @davidharris241
    @davidharris241 Рік тому +6

    Exciting find! Hope you eventually have those portraits restored. The lady portrait seems a bit older than the man's portrait. Maybe she's his mother? Their eyes look similar to me. I agree that the male portrait appears unbalanced, skill-wise. His face is much more refined. Maybe the lower portion was previously damaged and poorly restored? Thank you for this fascinating and well-produced video!

  • @petervankuijk
    @petervankuijk Рік тому +5

    Blessing you people what a find and what a love you are putting in this whole restauration. Love following you both!

  • @suzannestubbins
    @suzannestubbins Рік тому +2

    Oh My God! What an amazing fine! Thank you for the saving of this beautiful chateau and it's secrets. I cried when I saw the painting. Please restore the paintings because it's so worth it!

  • @marymathis9299
    @marymathis9299 Місяць тому

    That is such a sweet find and to think you just missed them earlier because of the dust and cobwebs!!! So glad you found them!!! Love watching what y'all are getting accomplished! Good Job!!! ❤❤❤

    •  Місяць тому

      Thank you for your message. We're thrilled that you're following our journey!

  • @davidmunro-ford1423
    @davidmunro-ford1423 Рік тому +1

    I am from Adelaide South Australia and have only just found this site. It was such a breath of fresh air to find an Australian couple renovating a Chateau other than a usual British couple. I will be watching with a keen interest as you continue in bringing this beautiful Chateau back to life

  • @effie924
    @effie924 Рік тому +1

    wow I love the amazing finds, paintings and beautiful furniture. So lovely to have that history saved.

  • @paivitiitta1884
    @paivitiitta1884 Рік тому +1

    This is like from a fairytail ! So enchanting ! I was googling this family and to me looks like this person in the potrait could be Louis de La Haye Saint Hilaire!

  • @pamkullman8839
    @pamkullman8839 Рік тому +1

    the beds and those roller boards are super cool. what a great idea! i love the black and white dog! It is so fluffy and cute!

  • @lorrainelewandowski8737
    @lorrainelewandowski8737 Місяць тому

    He’s actually holding the book that you found in cabinet so Amazing ❤😊

    •  Місяць тому +1

      Not quite. The book is much larger and from a later era. Thanks for your message.

  • @annmcleod2584
    @annmcleod2584 Рік тому +6

    I absolutely love watching every step of the journey that you share with us! Your love and dedication for this renovation is unparalleled!
    Finding these portraits was as if a long gone family member lead you to these treasures.
    I love genealogy, and your research of the family is wonderful. I hope you can put a name to ea😊ch portrait!
    Bless you both for restoring this beautiful old lady!!

  • @doubledeucedrums
    @doubledeucedrums Рік тому +5

    Thank Y’all for doing all this and sharing the Journey. What a big and beautiful project. Woooo.

  • @hiitsme5626
    @hiitsme5626 Рік тому +4

    Great episode, love all the history.

  • @Randy8923
    @Randy8923 Рік тому +4

    I enjoyed so very much seeing the furnishings left behind and their history. The paintings are amazing, What a wonderful discovery. Blessings.

  • @marika1279
    @marika1279 Рік тому +1

    So interesting, thank you. Imagine being able to restore them and displaying them again on the chateau walls, wow!

  • @janeblandford852
    @janeblandford852 Рік тому +2

    I can't get over all of the items you are finding....what an adventure and treasure find......you may need an expert to help you out. So interesting! The dog is so cute! Thank you for taking us along with you on this wonderful journey....very exciting!

  • @deborahblair3672
    @deborahblair3672 Рік тому +3

    You are both wonderful custodians. The green paint on the bed looks reasonably recent as you said in good condition. Happy exploring. NZ

  • @roberta1678
    @roberta1678 Рік тому +3

    No doubt you noticed that the red book looks the same as the series of journals you found in the linen press.

  • @clarefoskett9959
    @clarefoskett9959 Рік тому

    I feel quite emotional watching this.....

  • @jonhnnygee
    @jonhnnygee Рік тому +1

    T&F thank you for this presentation of these discoveries of the chateau.. I am enjoying the slow release of her secrets of the past!

  • @bridgetsixto8009
    @bridgetsixto8009 Рік тому

    you should try the repair shop to get them restored ,awsome find

  • @elisabetharzberger2456
    @elisabetharzberger2456 Рік тому +1

    WOW - the mysteries of the portraits❣️

  • @lyricsdebra
    @lyricsdebra 2 місяці тому

    The male painting looks like it has the gold mark of the marquis on the red books found in that cupboard. How exciting

  • @niser54
    @niser54 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for taking the time to video your work and share with us - very very fascinating

  • @markclemens3409
    @markclemens3409 Рік тому +2

    The portrait of the unknown male is early 19th century--Premier Empire. One can tell from the high redingote-style collar of the jacket, the position of the buttons and the absence of lace on the jabot.

  • @loisblais3431
    @loisblais3431 Рік тому +3

    Enjoying this journey through history based on your findings. What a job, good work. Amazing chateau! Just amazing. Thank you for sharing all with us. Room after room!

  • @lauralaladarling3775
    @lauralaladarling3775 Рік тому +2

    Hello, Thank you both for all your fascinating videos on the restoration of Chateau de Pernon. I am amazed at how you work manually on digging, clearing heavy rubble, dust everywhere, painting and now working on the moat tunnels! Bravo to you both. This is the most fascinating restoration projects I have ever watched; the letters, menus, carpentry commissions, German newspapers and not least the portrait oil paintings. I must ask are you going to get the paintings restored, they should be signed. Also, have you found the library on the Chateau plans? And will you store the papers in special archive paper and eventually put them behing glass in a museum room?
    Fabulous presentation, all best fortune in your many restoration endeavours. I can't wait to watch all your videos. Xxx ❤

  • @john_ace
    @john_ace 2 місяці тому

    If you clean fabrics, you should use a vacuum with a controllable intensity since a simple brush will force some of the dirt and dust deeper into the fabrics.

  • @janinemcmahon218
    @janinemcmahon218 Рік тому

    Maybe contact an art school and ask if they need pieces for the students to practice restoration on. You have so much.

  • @myname604
    @myname604 Рік тому +1

    There is never such a thing as "damaged beyond salvation". Everything has an element of restoration.

  • @Tea-nOpals
    @Tea-nOpals Рік тому

    Great job, gentlemen!

  • @raeraewells7053
    @raeraewells7053 Рік тому +2

    Absolutely amazing finds! Such treasure ❤

  • @pinkvelvet3865
    @pinkvelvet3865 Рік тому

    Interesting & fascinating!

  • @clarefoskett9959
    @clarefoskett9959 Рік тому

    Wonderful. You found the portraits. Thank goodness❤

  • @tammyrobinson8612
    @tammyrobinson8612 Рік тому

    Absolutely amazing xx

  • @patriciasinclair9278
    @patriciasinclair9278 Рік тому +1

    Perhaps it was painted by one of the ladies of the family. Who else would paint the eyes so - true to life?

  • @rowandowland1391
    @rowandowland1391 Рік тому

    Thank you for taking us on another wonderful Chateau de Purnon journey...truly fascinating.

  • @lisainnewzealand8461
    @lisainnewzealand8461 Рік тому +1

    Gosh if I was in France how I would love to gold leaf the frames you have

  • @rosemariedeschenes7013
    @rosemariedeschenes7013 Рік тому +1

    What an incredible find 😍😍😍

  • @luanncolistro879
    @luanncolistro879 Рік тому

    Absolutely wonderful

  • @paulacorreal1675
    @paulacorreal1675 Рік тому

    Wow, fascinating to share your journey. Watching from PA, USA.

  • @FloridaClay
    @FloridaClay 2 місяці тому

    Fascinating. I hope the paintings can be restored one day.

    •  2 місяці тому

      We hope so too. We are trying to proceed systematically though all the works so that we preserve and restore things properly and only after we fully understand their historical significance.

  • @rosita3671
    @rosita3671 9 місяців тому

    What an amazing find! You both are to be commended for your patience and perseverance…and so much more !!🎉

  • @jamiebriggs1249
    @jamiebriggs1249 Рік тому

    Wow how great to find these paintings

  • @Marcelo-Griffero-Sanz
    @Marcelo-Griffero-Sanz Місяць тому

    Excelente!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Que fascinate!!!!!!!!!!

  • @simonwalker8300
    @simonwalker8300 Рік тому

    G'day to you both. Another fascinating instalment of the Chateau's life. I know there is so much to be done, but you love history, despite the enormity of the job at hand these little vignettes must be a joy. With your love of things historic, i'm not surprised that you live in France, it's so rich. Looking forward, as usual, to seeing the continuing progress. Take care while doing it.

  • @michaelw.8614
    @michaelw.8614 Рік тому +1

    Fabulous find. I hope the portraits can be restored.

  • @steveturpin4242
    @steveturpin4242 Рік тому

    Uncovering the garden will also reveal a whole archive of the chateau's past! Wow you have that to look forward to in the Summer. I imagine the moat will be full of stuff thrown in The Revolution and WW2 too!

  • @susanaponte2080
    @susanaponte2080 Рік тому

    What are the red set of books found about?? Red book and portrait of man with a red book. I guess cutting pics out of frames was the only way to save then!! Show us all the old clothes found. So beautiful. Thanks for caring so much forthis chateau and its treasures!! God bless you!

  • @christinehodge3608
    @christinehodge3608 2 місяці тому

    So interesting, keep going,love all the new finds,

    •  2 місяці тому +2

      We're amazed we're still finding fascinating objects four years after we arrived.Just when we thought we'd searched every cupboard, nook and cranny... something else pops up! Thanks for following our journey!

  • @margiemistretta8885
    @margiemistretta8885 Рік тому

    Amazing!!

  • @studiogirl1967
    @studiogirl1967 Рік тому +2

    I think the portrait of the man is early 19th century based on his clothing and hair. Based on the hair and makeup of the female I would say mid-late 18th c. Have you considered having the beds either dipped or sandblasted? The wood underneath must be so interesting, although the beds were likely painted originally. Thank you for sharing!

  • @DB.scale.models
    @DB.scale.models Рік тому

    Very interesting, I love this stuff.

  • @Janmification
    @Janmification Рік тому

    I would definitely be double checking the tops of the linen presses, unless they are to be disassembled for the duration of the roof repairs.

  • @rikkibiermann465
    @rikkibiermann465 Рік тому +1

    So interesting! Thank you
    Rikki Biermann, Pretoria, South

  • @Siansonea
    @Siansonea Рік тому +1

    I want to see Julian Baumgartner restore those canvases.

  • @leighevans1489
    @leighevans1489 Рік тому

    So very interesting

  • @clicker7019
    @clicker7019 Рік тому +3

    This is amazing! Could the red book in his hand be one of the red leather-bound books that you found earlier?

  • @nikkorain680
    @nikkorain680 Рік тому

    So exciting !

  • @nicolethijs5428
    @nicolethijs5428 Рік тому

    What a treasuretrove your chateau is!

  • @steveturpin4242
    @steveturpin4242 Рік тому

    You are both so right in doing the roof first! Without the watertight roof you have nothing but leaks everywhere.

  • @TheTimeDetective42
    @TheTimeDetective42 Рік тому

    Definitely worth framing. Wonder why it was sliced out!

  • @yvonnejrichards
    @yvonnejrichards Рік тому +1

    Get the paintings over to Julian at Baumgartner restoration he's excellent.

  • @lisainnewzealand8461
    @lisainnewzealand8461 Рік тому

    Love the bedheads, very unique, my most favorite of French bedheads I have seen so far! xo from Whakatane, New Zealand

  • @alaskanrockvodka9622
    @alaskanrockvodka9622 Рік тому +1

    Fabulous painting finds. These need Julian from @BaumgartnerRestoration

  • @deniereynolds6119
    @deniereynolds6119 Рік тому

    Incredible finds.

  • @TheSecretChateau
    @TheSecretChateau Рік тому +1

    Bonjour Australiens - look to the structure the left of Monsieur's shoulder in helping to identify the portrait. One can see a substantial building, perhaps a château with it's reflection in the water to Monsieur's back. I do not believe it is Purnon. Felicitations to you both from Normandie.

  • @jenniferpowell3953
    @jenniferpowell3953 Рік тому +2

    If you wish to check details use your saliva and a cotton bud with a gentle circular motion it's an old conservators trick. You can see the chateau in the background and the top half of the painting appears far superior to the bottom and the book seems to go behind the body rather than in the hand, we only get a glimpse but given the bizarrely outsized hand one wonders if it was overpainted by someone other than the original artist.

  • @clarefoskett9959
    @clarefoskett9959 3 місяці тому

    My favourite episode ❤.

    •  3 місяці тому +1

      Thrilled you enjoyed it - amongst our favourite discoveries! Thank you!

  • @lisadavisson6187
    @lisadavisson6187 4 місяці тому

    I love the dog!❤

    •  4 місяці тому

      With all of our hearts! Thank you!

  • @sharongaines3043
    @sharongaines3043 Рік тому

    His holding one of thos books you found in the cupboard with the crest on.

  • @sarahyates6055
    @sarahyates6055 Рік тому +1

    Wow those paintings are amazing I hope you can get them professionally restored, framed and put back up in the Chateau. The beds are amazing the fabric’s definitely look like they could be really old. If you contact the V and A museum in London…. (There’s probably something similar in France), they will be able to advise you on the best way of conserving the clothes and may also provide ideas on dating the fabrics…or they may know who to contact in France. I know Stephanie Jarvis at Chateau de La Lande visited a Fabric Museum of Provençal fabrics, she has a vlog about it on her channel. You’re so lucky that so many treasures have been saved. Treasure doesn’t always mean gold, silver, diamonds etc, it all depends on what you see as treasure! To me these are priceless.

    • @didierjacob250
      @didierjacob250 Рік тому +1

      tellement de tapisseries , de tissus, vêtements, broderies, avec tout le " savoir faire " qu'il n' ai pas besoin d ' aller à Londres....

  • @ratjeanfrancois
    @ratjeanfrancois Рік тому +2

    I second what has been said about it being from around 1810, the hairstyle and jacket with collar match that period. I have a portray similar from one of my ancestor, and can date it from around 1810.
    Be cautious also, my own ancestors were military but not painted as such in the portrays I have. So it is possible this person was in the military. At least, i wouldn't exclude it

  • @patriciadulguime1576
    @patriciadulguime1576 Рік тому

    I hope the key takes you to a treasure box full beautiful things or a room / or cupboard because you have found a lot of beautiful things already I’m so happy for you both .

  • @Janmification
    @Janmification Рік тому

    All interesting finds. To my eye, the portrait of the lady appears to have been cut down to a smaller size. As for the gentleman with the red book, a sober portrait, which looks closer to early 19thC. check the style of stock he is sporting, that can be a good clue as to date.

  • @treytrip8
    @treytrip8 Рік тому +1

    It appears that the lady's portrait is about 1780-90. The gentleman's portrait looks about 1800-1810. That's my best guess. :)

  • @Jen-eo1fh
    @Jen-eo1fh Рік тому +2

    Thank you both for the update. Amazing discoveries today. Can’t wait to see the finished wing. Cheers from Melbourne. 🇦🇺

  • @RitaMoore
    @RitaMoore Рік тому

    The style of the painting and the dress looks like it is from the late 1700s and early 1800s

  • @gingermonette7455
    @gingermonette7455 Рік тому +1

    Portrait of man with the red book--isn't that a red book with crest just like you found in that cupboard? Any chance other framed pictures could have portraits hidden behind the current image in the frame?

  • @janechamblesswright119
    @janechamblesswright119 Рік тому +1

    The portrait of the woman has been CUT from off her stretcher bars. The original painting would have been larger.
    The gentleman has been REMOVED from the stretcher bars, as it appears that there are tack-holes along the unpainted border. This is an odd amount of work, pulling the tacks out - apparently whoever was responsible wanted the stretcher bars for another painting?
    Both paintings need re-lining before any repairs can be made to the holidays and losses - here’s hoping that you can find a conservation expert close by to handle the work. (I am in Ireland or I would happily volunteer !)
    Well done, all!

  • @nickywarner5826
    @nickywarner5826 Рік тому +2

    Did you check that the red book he’s holding isn’t one of the journals you found? I thought I saw a small mark that could be the small gold crest you showed us - on the corners of the journals. Wouldn’t that be a thing?! 😁

  • @tc7486
    @tc7486 Рік тому

    All the art you’re finding is remarkable. Wonderful treasures. I hope some art restoration company will restore it all for you free of course, as a gift/charitable contribution to the chateau restoration. And I can imagine it all or a lot of it hanging on a large wall framed in beautiful frames of course, along the most important stairway. A story gallery of historical residents. And while the restorers are at it, not asking too much here! 😬, there should be small plaques at the bottom of each portrait with the description of who they are. And the new owners should have your portraits proudly hung among the past owners/occupants. ❤❤

  • @harveythiessen3398
    @harveythiessen3398 Рік тому

    i would say that the color of those beds are up to date. Changing the color of the beds would take away the history and value of the furniture. Those iron rod beds are they cribs.? They could be made into a day bed or used as a display for an old doll or clothes draped over the railing. You are very blessed to have all this history at your finger tips.

  • @stephenancre
    @stephenancre 5 місяців тому

    Going by the clothing on those portraits, I would guess that the woman may well be the Marquise who built the chateau, those powdered wigs were rarely worn after the Revolution, and the man may well be her surviving son, that hairstyle and cravat are very 1795 - 1805, there are pictures of major figures of that era with exactly that look. You may be amazed at what a professional restorer can do to clean them up - removing the old varnish which has clouded with damp will be a revelation.