JEAN-BAPTISTE-LOUIS GROS (French 1793-1870) A PAINTING, "South American Aqueduct and Mountains in Landscape," oil on cardboard, signed L/R, "Gros." 8 3/4" x 14" Note: Jean-Baptiste-Louis Gros, Former Senator of the Second Empire, Election and Service: September 20, 1858-August 17, 1870. Born in Ivry-sur-Seine on February 8, 1793, died in Paris on August 17, 1870, began a career in diplomacy in 1823, received the title of baron in 1829, and, having joined the government in July, was sent to Mexico as the first secretary of the legation, then appointed charge d'affaires in Bogota (1834). In the years preceding the February 1848 revolution, Baron Gros received several important missions in South America, notably in Plata. In 1849 he passed to England for negotiations relating to the expedition of the French government to Rome; in 1850 he went to Athens as Minister Plenipotentiary, with the mission of bringing an end to the dispute which then existed between Greece and England; then he became (1854) one of the plenipotentiaries designated to proceed with the final fixing of the borders between France and Spain: the difficulties to which this question had given rise for centuries were ended by the convention of Bayonne (1856). M. Gros, who, under these various circumstances, had drawn himself to the attention of the government, was sent to China (1857) as an extraordinary ambassador to obtain, in concert with Lord Elgin, the opening of new Chinese ports to European commerce and effective protection for missionaries. He was appointed senator on September 20, 1858. The violation of the Tien-Tsin treaty gave rise (1860) to a Franco-English expedition to China. M. Gros accompanied General Cousin-Montauban there, and, when new peace negotiations were started, he took part in the Peking treaty, which ended the campaign. On June 25, 1868, Mr. Gros put his signature at the bottom of the Tien-Tsin peace treaty, then went to the capital of Japan, to Yeddo, where he concluded a trade treaty, on September 9 of the same year. During M. de Flahaut's retirement, Baron Gros was called to the London embassy (November 14, 1862). During M. de Flahaut's retirement, Baron Gros was called to the London embassy (November 14, 1862); he retired on February 17, 1865 and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor (March 7, 1861)." Courtesy: An excerpt from the "Dictionary of French Parliamentarians," (Robert and Cougny, 1889). Provenance: Property of a South Texas Collector.

Some expected surface wear, mild darkening, but overall in good to very good condition, wear commensurate with age. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS." NO REFUNDS will be issued based on condition.