Alexandre de la Borde Paintings

Jean-Baptiste Alexandre Le Blond, comte de La Borde, commonly known as Alexandre de La Borde, was a French art collector, banker, politician, writer, and musician. Born on September 5, 1778, in Paris to a wealthy family, he was the son of the fermier général Jean Benjamin de La Borde, who was a financier and an influential arts patron. Alexandre grew up in an environment that valued culture, which greatly influenced his varied interests throughout his life.

Despite his aristocratic background, La Borde's family faced turmoil during the French Revolution. His father was executed in 1794 during the Reign of Terror. Alexandre himself managed to avoid this fate and went on to pursue a range of activities in the changing French society of the early 19th century. He served as a chamberlain to Napoleon and also as a prefect under the Empire. After the fall of Napoleon, he continued his public service under the Bourbon Restoration, which reflects his ability to navigate the shifting political landscape of his time.

La Borde is perhaps most renowned for his work as an art collector and historian. He amassed a significant collection of artworks and was particularly interested in Spanish art, which was less known in France at the time. His writings include 'Vue de la péninsule Ibérique', in which he detailed his travels in Spain and Portugal, providing valuable insights into Spanish art and culture. He also wrote about the Louvre and its collections, contributing to the study and appreciation of art history.

In addition to his contributions to art history, La Borde was also a musician and composer. He published a collection of songs, which further exemplifies the breadth of his talents and interests. His musical works, though less discussed today, were a part of his broader engagement with the arts.

La Borde's life was marked by his adaptability and his passion for the arts. He died on February 17, 1834, in Paris. While he is not as widely known today as some of his contemporaries, his work as a collector, historian, and musician offers valuable insights into the cultural life of France during a period of significant change and upheaval.