Jean Pierre Jacques Tempie 1772 - ?

1814

Giorgio Banchi (Novara, 1789 – Milano, 1853)

Oil on ivory

90mm

This miniature painting is thought to be of Jean Pierre Tempie who was born in 1772 at Vauvet, Gard, France. He was a member of the 'Marinai della Guardia Reale' or Marine of the Italian Royal Guard from 1806, and was appointed Frigate Captain after fighting with the 'Marinai' on Lake Garda, March 14th 1813, where he also was seriously injured. He is shown wearing the Italian Order of the Iron Crown (Couronne de fer), received after the battle of Ostrowno in 1812, and the French Legion d'honneur, over a 'fantasie' style of uniform. The wearing of aigiulette and epaulette over a hussar pelisse is very uncommon.