The Artist’s Wife

Born in St Helier in 1758, Anne Madeleine was the third child (and only daughter) of Jean Noël and his wife, Elizabeth Tanqueray. She was christened Anne Madeleine after one of her mother’s sisters who became her godmother. In March 1781 aged 22, Anne married Philippe Jean of neighbouring St Ouën. The couple settled locally and had two children: Roger born in October 1783 and Anne Marthe born in June 1787. Anne sadly died within a month of her daughter’s birth; her little daughter died the following year.

Philip (Philippe) Jean was born in 1755 and so was just 26 years old when he painted this accomplished portrait of his bride. He was to paint Anne again the following year (see Foskett, Miniatures, p.309). Jean took up painting following a brief career as a seaman. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1787. Following the untimely death of Anne, Jean re-married and went on to father four more children.