Noel Joseph Desenfans

Noel Desenfans (1744–1807), one of the three founders of Dulwich Picture Gallery, emigrated from France to London in 1769 and initially worked as a language teacher. Shortly after reaching London, Desenfans became the guardian and benefactor of the artist Peter Francis Bourgeois (1753-1811), who was left by his father in 1768 at the age of fifteen. Bourgeois would become Desenfans’ close friend and business partner. In 1776, Desenfans married the wealthy Margaret Morris (1731-1813) and, with her financial support, launched a successful business as an art dealer. This portrait shows him at the height of his career, dressed in a sober coat with a billowing white cravat to add a touch of elegance. 

In 1790, Desenfans and Bourgeois were commissioned to form a collection of pictures for Stanislas II Augustus Poniatowski (1732-1798), King of Poland. After the king was forced to abdicate in 1795, the pair of collectors attempted unsuccessfully to find a home for their vast collection of art. Bourgeois and Desenfans shared the wish that their collection should be exhibited publicly. When Desenfans died in 1807, his collection was left to Bourgeois and would become the foundation for the Dulwich Picture Gallery, England’s first purpose-built public art gallery.